Maple Leafs have horribly misused Max Domi and the numbers prove it

The Toronto Maple Leafs are having a tough go so far in the 2025-26 season, but the numbers show that one player in particular, Max Domi, is being misused, and it's impacting the entire team.

Travis Yost of TSN has compiled numbers to show Domi's and the team's performance when he's playing centre versus when he's playing wing, and the difference is undeniable.

As pointed out by Yost, the statistics show that the Maple Leafs have a far better chance at winning a game when Domi is on the wing instead of playing the middle.

In terms of expected goals for and against/60, the stats show a much better performance for the Maple Leafs when Domi is on the wing. (+0.20 at wing vs -0.31 at centre)

There's little question that injuries are playing a part in having Domi play centre for the Maple Leafs right now, but management needs to recognize when it's not working, and make the adjustment. Otherwise, the team continues to spin its wheels and not play up to its potential.

Thankfully, with Auston Matthews, Matthew Knies and Nicolas Roy returning to action last night, Domi was shifted over to the right wing on the top line with Matthews and Knies. The results were much better for the Maple Leafs.

This isn't a new issue for Domi. In fact, it's one that has dogged him throughout his career, even during his best seasons. Why coach Craig Berube and GM Brad Treliving insist on having it continue is a mystery. Domi has positives he can bring to a team, but playing centre simply isn't one of them.

Let's just hope that there are no more injuries down the middle and that Domi can continue to play on the wing, where he is better-suited to be.