Domi dreams that his path to the Maple Leafs maxes out with a Stanley Cup

The London Knights’ Max Domi hugs his dad former Toronto Maple Leaf Tie Domi, after he received the Mickey Renaud Trophy (Captain’s Award) at the OHL Awards Ceremony this afternoon at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto on Tuesday June 9, 2015.

Max Domi has his Sharpie at hand and he’s ready to use it.

A lifelong wish for the 28-year-old will culminate once he wears the Maple Leafs sweater for the first time, something that was set in motion when he signed a one-year, $3 million U.S. contract with Toronto on July 2.

“Growing up it was always a dream to play for the Leafs and the dream behind winning a Stanley Cup was always wearing the blue and white,” Domi said on Monday at RattleSnake Point Golf Club in Milton, where the Leafs held their annual charity classic.

“You get a chance to cross one and hopefully two of those off the bucket list … it’s pretty spectacular and a great opportunity. To wear that jersey is a huge honour and a privilege and can’t wait to do it.”

Domi comes by the interest and previous fandom in a way that few have. A month after Max was born in March 1995 in Winnipeg, the Jets traded his dad to the Leafs. Tie Domi went on to play 775 games for the Leafs following the trade, finishing his National Hockey League career in 2006 with Toronto.

As a young boy, Max got inside looks at Maple Leafs Gardens and Scotiabank Arena (when it was the Air Canada Centre) as his dad patrolled the right wing for the Leafs and kept opponents in line.

Once Max hits the ice for his first game with the Leafs on Oct. 11 in the regular-season opener against the Montreal Canadiens, he and his dad will become the ninth father-son duo to suit up for the Leafs and first since Nick Foligno briefly followed his dad Mike’s path during the 2020-21 season.

Where the younger Domi, who played centre last season with Chicago and Dallas, lines up remains to be determined. He would be fine with a shift back to the wing after playing there at times in his NHL career, and many think he will slot in on the left side on the Leafs’ second line. A case can be made by Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe for using Domi at centre on the third line as well.

Either way, there’s comfort for Domi, who is 19 games shy of 600 in the NHL.

“I have played on so many teams now (the Leafs will be his sixth since he broke into the NHL in 2015-16 with Arizona), which has been a blessing in disguise because you’re getting thrown in different situations, different systematic vibes, different coaches and with that, you’re going to play left wing, right wing, centre,” Domi said. “And learn how to be more of like a utility guy. Wherever I am asked to play, I have told Keefer that I’m ready to go.”

We should have a better idea on Thursday, when the Leafs begin on-ice sessions at training camp at the Ford Performance Centre.

Unlike fellow new Leafs forward Tyler Bertuzzi, who is looking regain his touch around the net after scoring just eight goals last season with Detroit and Boston, Domi is coming off one of his better offensive years in the NHL.

In 80 games, Domi had 56 points (20 goals and 36 assists), the second-most points he has had in one season, and followed that with a strong showing in the playoffs, recording 13 points in 19 games with the Stars.

Advancing to the Western Conference final, where Dallas lost in six games to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights, was the deepest Domi has played in the NHL post-season. In 2022, he went to the second round with the Carolina Hurricanes.

“(Summer) was a little shorter this year, which I think is a good thing,” Domi said. “It was a good push in Dallas last spring and I learned a lot.”

The Leafs are Domi’s third NHL Original Six team after he played in 60 games for the Blackhawks last season and spent 2018-20 with the Canadiens.

As he figured might happen, Domi was asked about his comments from a media scrum four years ago, when he said the Montreal fan base was “second to none,” including Leafs Nation.

“I was waiting for that one,” Domi said, flashing a toothless grin. “If I’m being completely honest with you, playing in Montreal was one of the coolest experiences of my life.

“The fan base was so good to me there and I miss my days in Montreal for sure. But I’m a big believer in you are where your two feet are and I’m home now in Toronto. Nothing but great memories of Montreal, wish them the best. I’m all in on Toronto. That’s all I’m really worried about.”

And, of course, stroking that Cup off his bucket list.

“When you’re a free agent, you look at a few things and that’s at the top,” said Domi, who will wear No. 11 with Toronto. “I wanted to come somewhere where I can win a Stanley Cup and be a part of that. I’ve had my eyes on this organization for a while and I’m looking forward to getting to work.”

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