Leafs Coach Craig Berube Doubles Down on Comments on Veteran Forward Max Domi
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton Imagn Images
Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube has doubled down on comments about veteran forward Max Domi and what he needs to see from him this year.
The season has gotten off to a rough start for Max Domi as he suffered a lower-body injury just before training camp, and also lost his grandfather on Monday, forcing him to miss his return to practice on Tuesday.
However, the 30-year-old returned to the ice with his teammates on Wednesday and skated on a potentially dangerous new third line with newcomers Dakota Joshua and Nicolas Roy.
Craig Berube Doubles-Down on Goal For Max Domi This Season
Since joining the Leafs, Domi has struggled to find a way to consistently produce offensively. His struggles are likely due to the revolving door of linemates he has played with and being asked to play a more defensive, role centering the third line most nights last season. However, when given the opportunity to play higher in the lineup, Domi has found ways to contribute.
Unfortunately, he has a combined 17 goals in two seasons in Toronto, which led to Berube asking him to focus on shooting more in the latter half of last year -- something the Leafs' bench boss credited him for doing on Wednesday.
In crediting Domi for his efforts, Berube also doubled-down, publicly asking the London Knights alum to shoot more right from the start of the season.
"I've always talked to Max about using his shot more. In my opinion, he can score more goals if he looked to shoot a bit more. I thought he made a conscious effort last year towards the end of the year and into the playoffs, where he was shooting the puck more. And I think if he's a little more direct that way - shooting the puck more, getting to the inside, and using his shot... I think that is a good season for him."
Moving Domi to the wing to limit his defensive responsibilities and giving him consistent linemates will go a long way in getting him to produce at a more consistent rate, but will also come with an adjustment period. The sooner he can get into a game, the quicker he will be able to begin that adjust period.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 25 | 1049 ANSWERS Leafs Coach Craig Berube Doubles Down on Comments on Veteran Forward Max Domi How many goals will Max Domi score this season? | ||
| 5-10 | 117 | 11.2 % |
| 11-15 | 408 | 38.9 % |
| 16-20 | 400 | 38.1 % |
| More than 20 | 124 | 11.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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