Two Maple Leafs Players Make Comeback as Craig Berube Faces Tough Decision
Max Domi returned to the ice for the Maple Leafs alongside a few others as the Toronto Maple Leafs are starting to finally get some bodies returning for them.
It's been nearly a month since Max Domi has been out dealing with a lower-body injury and while it may have accounted for his struggles in the beginning, the Maple Leafs have done well without him so far.
He will make an impact upon his return, which looks to be a lot closer now that he's back on the ice.
Per David Alter of The Hockey News on X, Domi was seen skating with the team at practice, as well as the return of one key defenseman.
How Does Craig Berube Put Players Back In?
It will be a tough decision for Craig Berube to find room for both these players, but especially Domi. Toronto has been able to find some better production from guys like Fraser Minten, and it'll be hard to see how Domi slides in, unless given a premium spot.
Domi this season has been unimpressive minus the first six games where he had six points and looked poised to breakout but went ice-cold ever since.
Whether his injury was hurting his ability or there was a case of the yips, either way it wasn't a good sign. Hopefully he's fully recovered and able to refocus on hockey.
It's a big positive as well that Domi was placed on the second power play unit, a great sign that he's headed back into the lineup on Tuesday.
The big name to also return to the ice was Jake McCabe, arguably Toronto's most important defenseman alongside Chris Tanev.
The dominant duo were one of the league's toughest to play against and were responsible for the Leafs' revamped defense.
Domi wasn't skating consistently on a line in practice, however was switching out on a line with Tavares and Nylander with Matthew Knies.
It looks like Craig Berube is trying a lot of different combinations at practice, as we see Nicholas Robertson and Alexander Nylander sharing duties.
We also see Ryan Reaves splitting the wing with Nikita Grebenkin as Berube decides which way he wants to go against New Jersey.
McCabe was in the same position as Domi, skating alongside call-up Marshall Rifai as the extra defensemen as Berube determines whether or not he's ready to return.
Both men were projected to return against New Jersey and this is a positive sign we'll see them lining up on Tuesday night.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 9 | 917 ANSWERS Two Maple Leafs Players Make Comeback as Craig Berube Faces Tough Decision Are you excited for the return of Max Domi? | ||
| Yes so happy he's back! | 576 | 62.8 % |
| No the team was better off! | 341 | 37.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
