The Maple Leafs made long-term commitments to Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Is it enough to remake the look and feel of Toronto's defense? Fresh off signing his new four-year, $15 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Max Domi is hitting the ground running. In an Instagram story posted Tuesday to the account ‘kulasportsperformance’ [https://www.instagram.com/kulasportsperformance/], run by Brian Kula, the speed-based performance program posted Domi sprinting from one end of the room to the other – focusing on his agility and acceleration. The story, captioned “Speed is king” with a crown and lightning bolt emoji and tagging Domi, features him pushing his limits with explosive bursts of speed. Domi reposted the story, adding the song ‘Gas Pedal’ by Chinx and French Montana as the background track, along with a bee emoji to emphasize he is ‘buzzin’”. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA4MDU2Mjg2ODY3MTA1MjIx/image0-2.jpg] The performance program is well-renowned, with Kula having previously worked with NFL superstar running back Christian McCaffery, a close friend of Domi. Domi has congratulated McCaffrey on several occasions, including when McCaffrey most recently signed his two-year contract extension with the San Francisco 49ers in early June. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA4MDU2MTcyNTEzNjAxMTY4/screenshot-2024-07-23-123932.png] Domi extended his contract with the club on June 30, marking the Leafs’ most notable offensive move in NHL free agency as they aimed to bolster their blueline and goalie tandem. The 29-year-old signed a four-year, $15 million contract, which carries a salary cap hit of $3.75 million per season. The forward expressed his desire to re-sign in Toronto from the get-go, and it was only a matter of time before both parties reached an agreement. In the 2023-24 season, Domi had nine goals and 38 assists in 80 regular season games, adding another goal and three assists in seven postseason appearances. Following his renewal in Toronto, Domi shared glimpses of his picturesque Italian getaway with fans on Instagram earlier in July. Leafs nation, which had come to love Domi during his lone season with the team, expressed their excitement in the comments saying, “So happy to see you in blue for the next four years.” Now, Domi seems to be fully in ‘season mode’, preparing for the upcoming 2024-25 season by working on his speed. Without a doubt, these sprinting sessions will play a crucial role in refining his skating stride before the regular season rolls around. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwNTk1MTUxMDE2NDM2ODQ0/cf1808c0-6a82-4298-9049-3eb2eae105b0.jpg] Related Why Former Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas Was Named Director of Player Personnel for Hockey Canada at Upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off and 2026 Olympics [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/why-former-maple-leafs-gm-kyle-dubas-was-named-director-of-player-personnel-for-hockey-canada-at-upcoming-4-nations-face-off-and-2026-olympics] Maple Leafs' David Kampf Relishes Austrian Waters in Latest Instagram Story [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/maple-leafs-david-kampf-relishes-austrian-waters-in-latest-instagram-story] 'OEL's Of Those Perfect Swedes': Panthers Defenseman Aaron Ekblad Explains What the Maple Leafs are Getting in Oliver Ekman-Larsson [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/oels-of-those-perfect-swedes-panthers-defenseman-aaron-ekblad-explains-what-the-maple-leafs-are-getting-in-oliver-ekman-larsson] News from THN.com 'He’s All Business': Thatcher Demko's Emergence as Elite NHL Goalie Was No Surprise [https://thehockeynews.com/news/hes-all-business-canucks-thatcher-demkos-emergence-as-elite-nhl-goalie-was-no-surprise] Fantilli's Rookie NHL Season Marred By Injury, But Blue Jackets Center Still Central To Columbus' Blueprint For Success [https://thehockeynews.com/news/fantillis-rookie-nhl-season-marred-by-injury-but-blue-jackets-center-still-central-to-columbus-blueprint-for-success] Oilers' Best Bet for Leon Draisaitl Might Be a Short-Term Extension [https://thehockeynews.com/news/oilers-best-bet-for-leon-draisaitl-might-be-a-short-term-extension]
