Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews had some massive praise for an impact forward on the team.
Toronto saw Mitch Marner leave this offseason, and replacing him on the top line with Matthews and Matthew Knies is Max Domi. Domi has played with Matthews before, and the captain praised him, calling him an ‘easy player to play with’ ahead of opening night.
“He’s really patient with the puck,” Matthews said about Domi. “He’s really good at drawing guys into him and finding lanes. He can pass on his forehand, he can pass on his backhand, and he’s really strong on the puck too. He wins battles and he’s able to find areas. So, you know, my experience playing with him, I just try to support him and get open and I know that I have to be ready at all times because the puck can come whenever. He’s a really easy player to play with. He’s got a great brain and super smart out there and, like I said, he’s a great, great passer.”
The Maple Leafs will need Domi to be an impact player this season and help provide some offense they lost with Marner’s departure.
Although Domi isn’t as good offensively as Marner, he can do different things on the ice, and Matthews feels comfortable with him.
“It’s been good,” Matthews said. “I’ve played with Max a lot. I’m really comfortable with him, and I know the spots that he likes to get into as well as Kniesy. I think each practice we’ve had, you know, the more reps we get together, the more comfortable we feel.”
Matthews recorded 33 goals and 45 assists for 78 points in 67 games last season.
Maple Leafs Coach Wants More From Domi
Toronto decided on Domi to play on the first line with Matthews and Knies.
Given that Domi struggled last season, Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube says he needs to see more from the veteran. He wants Domi to shoot the puck more and be more aggressive, making plays.
“With Max, we have to let him play his game and what he’s good at, but at the same time, he has to change a little bit,” Berube said. “I need him to get inside more. I need him to shoot more. You know, 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. I need him to be responsible defensively, like I need every player to be responsible defensively.”
Domi recorded 8 goals and 25 assists for 33 points in 74 games last season.
Domi is Confident in Toronto’s Group
Heading into the season, the general sense is that the Maple Leafs will take a step back this season after losing Marner.
However, Domi is confident in the group and believes they are going to be hard to play against.
“We’re going to be hard to play against, and I think that’s the key,” Domi said. “Teams are going to know, when they see our team on the schedule, that’s gonna be a tough night. You gotta back it up, and it starts with the habits at practice, competing against your buddies, and that’s hard to do. But, if you do it every single day for the course of the whole season, you’re setting yourself up for success.”
The Maple Leafs open their season on Oct. 8 against the Montreal Canadiens.
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