Max Domi
ON-ICE VALUE
Top-Six Forward
STRENGTHS
Speed: Though his stride isn’t effortless, Domi skates exceptionally well and plays at a fast pace. He’s one of the few forwards in the league who can sag deep into the defensive zone to accept a pass and lead the breakout on his own. That tempo and elusiveness make him a dangerous option on the rush.
Playmaking: Frankly, his production hasn’t lined up with his offensive abilities. Domi is a phenomenal setup man, boasting the vision to dissect defenses and the touch to feather tape-to-tape saucer passes in his sleep. His playmaking is equally potent from the forehand and backhand as well. If you’re open, he’ll find you.
Confidence: Domi will attack defenders one-on-one or attempt passes through lanes that are seemingly covered by the opposition because he believes in his skill—far more than his coaches appear to. As such, he often catches players off guard with a nifty move or quick dish into traffic.
WEAKNESSES
Discipline: This is by far his biggest flaw. Domi is a temperamental player through and through, and when he sees red, there’s no stopping him from crossing the line into borderline dirty behavior. He’s hurt his club on a number of occasions with bone-headed, selfish penalties that accomplish little other than serving his ego.
Carelessness: When it comes to Domi’s confidence, the other side of the coin is sloppiness. He’ll go through stretches where he’s quite loose in possession, giving the puck away cheaply because he refuses to make the simple play. Instead, he’ll toss a blind Hail Mary right to the opposition or attempt to stick-handle through a five-man unit by himself.
