Craig Berube Reveals What Max Domi Must Change in Order to Stay on the First Line
Photo credit: Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Domi is ready to be on the first line with Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies, but head coach Craig Berube has some reservations.
Max Domi is coming off one of the most challenging seasons of his entire career, as he only managed eight goals and 33 points as a third-line center.
He is more used to playing on the right wing, which is something he will get to do this season. In fact, with the season opener just under a week away, Domi is set to start on the first line.
The forward will play next to Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies. While this is a huge opportunity, it certainly comes with its fair share of challenges.
Craig Berube with a challenge for Max Domi
In fact, while speaking to reporters, Leafs head coach Craig Berube was extremely honest about what Domi is going to have to do to keep his spot.
Simply put, the forward must start taking more shots. He has to make plays and get pucks in deep. If he doesn't do those things, Matias Maccelli could take the spot.
With Max, we've got to let him play his game - what he does and what he's good at. But at the same time, he's got to change a little bit, like we talked about. I need him to get inside more. I need him to shoot more. It can't be all about looking for Matthews or Knies with plays. We need him to make plays, but at the same time, he's got to shoot pucks.
He's got to use his shot. We need him to be a bulldog out there. And I need him to be responsible defensively, just like I need every player to be responsible defensively.
He's got to use his shot. We need him to be a bulldog out there. And I need him to be responsible defensively, just like I need every player to be responsible defensively.
Overall, Max Domi is a very good player, and we're sure that he will have a bounce-back season, especially next to the Leafs' best players.
However, if he struggles like he did last season, there are going to be a lot of questions, especially as the team goes into the trade deadline.
Either way, we are excited to watch Domi play hockey this season, and we hope that his campaign is one to remember.
The regular season will officially begin on October 8th, as the Maple Leafs take on the Montreal Canadiens.
TRENDING NOW
