The Maple Leafs have announced that Max Domi is back in action after being sidelined due to an injury, just in time for their game against the Devils. To make room for him on the team, rookie Nikita Grebenkin has been sent back to AHL Toronto.
Domi missed eight games with a lower-body injury but is ready to play again. His last appearance was on November 16 against the Oilers before he went on injured reserve. So far this season, he hasn’t scored any goals in 19 games but has managed six assists while playing about 15 minutes per game. Just before becoming a free agent last summer, Domi signed a four-year deal worth $15 million with the Leafs.
The Leafs are changing things up by moving Domi from center to left wing alongside William Nylander and John Tavares. This change aims to boost his performance and get him scoring again . Meanwhile, Fraser Minten will continue centering the third line with Max Pacioretty and Pontus Holmberg as his wingers. Fans might think this lineup change could be exciting!
Roster Moves and Future Prospects:
With these adjustments, Toronto’s roster remains full at 23 players, but they gain some financial flexibility—about $1.5 million—due to long-term injuries of other players like David Kampf and Calle Jarnkrok. Grebenkin got his first taste of NHL action during Domi’s absence; however, he didn’t score any points and ended up with a -3 rating over seven games.
Grebenkin was drafted by the Leafs in 2022 as the 135th overall pick and made an impression with his physical play despite limited ice time. Now back in the minors, he’ll aim to rediscover his scoring touch after having four goals and ten points in just thirteen games before being called up.
His brief NHL stint didn’t yield much excitement beyond physicality; Toronto only controlled 37.8% of shot attempts when he played at even strength—a stat that needs improvement if he’s going to make waves next time around.
What do you think about these changes? Are you excited for Domi’s return or curious about Grebenkin’s future?
