The Toronto Maple Leafs have a hole for the first-line right winger, and Max Domi could earn that job in training camp.
The Maple Leafs need to replace Mitch Marner, and Domi’s name has come up as a potential candidate to play with Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies. However, Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube says Domi needs to shoot the puck more, which was an issue last season.
“Yeah, definitely. I think he’s a guy that’s played with Matthews in the past and had success. He looks for (Matthews) and gets him the puck and that’s important,” Berube said to The Athletic. “I think that Max could work (there). It could work. But I think Max has to change just his mindset a little bit, playing with those guys on a consistent basis.
“It’s not always about looking for (Matthews) and finding (Matthews). It’s about Max, him shooting pucks, scoring goals and being that type of player,” Berube added. “You can’t always just be a one-headed monster. He’s gotta evolve a little bit and do other things out there with those guys. He’s capable of it for sure. It’s just a mindset for me with him.”
Although Berube wants to see Domi shoot the puck more, the coach says he will get a chance to play on the top line in training camp.
“Yeah, for sure. I think they’re all gonna get a look, I really do,” Berube added.
Domi is entering the second year of his four-year, $15 million deal.
Berube Wants Domi to be a More ‘Interior’ Player
Not only does Berube want Domi to shoot more, but he also wants him to play in the interior and get into the dirty areas.
The Maple Leafs coach believes Domi is at his best when he’s physical and plays in front of the net, and not on the outside as he did last season.
“Just being more direct. Yes, he has the ability to make the plays and we need him to do that. But also, he’s gotta take his looks and finish, and just be a more interior player,” Berube said. “That’s what I call it. Getting to the inside more, being a more interior player. Just being a more direct player. And using his skating ability. He’s a powerful skater, and I find when Max is skating, he’s a very good player. It’s when he’s not moving his feet.”
Domi struggled to score last season as he didn’t shoot that much, and Berube wants to see that change this season.
Domi recorded 8 goals and 25 assists for 33 points in 74 games last season.
Maple Leafs Coach Eager for Camp Competition
Despite losing Marner in the offseason, Toronto did well this offseason to add more depth to the position.
Entering camp, the Maple Leafs have plenty of forwards competing for roster spots, which Berube believes is a good thing.
“There’s a lot of competition at camp. I’ll leave it at that. There’s a lot of competition at camp, which is great. I think it makes for a competitive camp and that’s what we want, because that’s gonna get us more prepared for the regular season,” Berube said.
The Maple Leafs’ first preseason game is on Sept. 21, with the season opening on Oct. 8 against the Montreal Canadiens.
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