Domi, who is in the middle of a 12-game points drought, has missed multiple practices for "maintenance".
The Toronto Maple Leafs are navigating Max Domi's health as the forward endures a 12-game point drought. Meanwhile, the team contends with the absence of Auston Matthews, sidelined by an upper-body injury.
Although Domi remains active, it's evident he's not operating at full capacity. He participated in an optional skate on Saturday ahead of the game against the Edmonton Oilers but missed both that day’s practice and the previous two team's practices for "maintenance."
With no points in 12 games, resting Domi to address his struggles might seem logical. However, the Maple Leafs’ depth is strained without Matthews in the lineup.
"Well, it's the way it is right now," Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said of Domi's situation.
As John Tavares continues to perform well, Domi has been moved down the lineup. In the Leafs’ 4-3 overtime victory against the Washington Capitals on Wednesday, Domi had a prime opportunity—a breakaway against Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson—but shot directly into the goalie’s glove.
On managing Domi's usage, Berube said, "I think if you look at it, moving (David) Kampf up in that third hole and the minutes he's getting now. So we're taking a little bit off his plate that way. It’s just about me managing how he's looking and what's going on with his ice time and things like that. So, like I said, giving him maintenance days as much as we can, keep him going here. It's been a lot for him."
Matthews' current absence, his longest since missing significant time during the 2018-19 season, extends to six consecutive games. The Maple Leafs have a light schedule following their match against the Oilers, with only one game in the next seven days. This provides hope that Matthews will fully recover, potentially allowing the team to grant Domi additional rest once the star center returns.
The team has not disclosed the specifics of Domi’s condition. In 18 games this season, he has recorded no goals and just six assists, falling short of expectations. Domi's offensive struggles are reminiscent of earlier stints in his career when consistency proved elusive, such as his underwhelming 2020-21 campaign with the Columbus Blue Jackets , where he registered just 24 points in 54 games.
Meanwhile, Matthews has faced injury setbacks throughout his career, including a significant wrist issue in the 2020-21 season that ultimately required off-season surgery. The Leafs have not revealed the ailment Matthews is dealing with but have dismissed any notion that it is related to his previous wrist issues.