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Max Domi comments on moving to center, playing with Nick Robertson on his wing

Published November 10, 2023 at 7:46
BY MIKE ARMENTI

Max Domi's start in Toronto has not been ideal, but he's still very much trying to find his way during the early stages of his first season in Toronto, all while being shuffled around a lot. It can be hard to build chemistry when you're being moved up and down the lineup 3 or 4 times over the span of 13 games. This time around, however, Domi's latest move may not be a detrimental one.

The Leafs moved Domi to center this week, shifting David Kampf back down to the 4th line and sending Pontus Holmberg back to the Toronto Marlies. In a corresponding move, they called up the red-hot Nick Robertson and, so far, the two have looked solid together, with Calle Jarnkrok on the right wing.

Domi's best NHL season, by far, came at center in Montreal in 2018-19. Domi put up a career high 28 goals and 72 points that season, while also finishing with career highs in assists (44), +/- (+20) and PIMs (80). With the move to center now, the Leafs are hoping that Domi can catch lightning in a bottle again this season.

When asked about moving back to center on Wednesday, Domi revealed that he's enjoyed the switch thus far:


"A lot more puck touches & an ability to make plays thru the middle. I enjoyed it & for sure something to build on" - Domi on the transition to center

Domi and Robertson have notched points in back-to-back games for the Leafs now, Domi tallying a pair of assists, and Robertson with a goal and an assist. When asked about playing with Robertson, Domi had this to say:

"I'm more of a passer & he's a trigger guy. I told him to just find his spot & I'll find him" - Domi on playing with Robertson

Let's hope that these two can continue to build chemistry with one another. The Leafs' top 2 lines appear to be set, with Matthew Knies drawing 1LW duties, while Tyler Bertuzzi has been assigned the 2LW duties to try to augment John Tavares and William Nylander as best he can. If Robertson, Domi and Jarnkrok can form an effective 3rd line, the Leafs will be closer to rounding out their roster nicely - though the 4th line does, admittedly, still need some work.

POLL
November 10   |   364 answers
Max Domi comments on moving to center, playing with Nick Robertson on his wing

How do you feel about the Robertson-Domi-Jarnkrok line so far through 2 games?

They've looked great!20456 %
They've been ok13336.5 %
I haven't liked what I've seen from them277.4 %
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