The Maple Leafs are heading toward the start of the 2026-27 season without Max Domi.
According to a recent report, Domi is expected to miss all of training camp and has already been ruled out to begin the year on the sidelines while he continues to recover from offseason surgery. Daily Faceoff's Nick Alberga said there is "still lots of uncertainty" surrounding the situation, and the timeline remains murky for now.
Sounds like Max Domi, who’s recovering from off-season surgery, is expected to miss training camp & the start of the season.
Still lots of uncertainty. @LMTake_ | @dfotoronto
- Nick Alberga (@thegoldenmuzzy) September 9, 2026
That leaves Toronto waiting on a player who had a quiet season offensively last year. In 80 games with the Leafs, Domi scored 12 goals and 36 points. It was his highest goal total since joining the team for the 2023-24 season, but the overall production still fell short, especially with his average ice time climbing to 14:53, his highest with the club.
If Domi is out for a meaningful stretch, the Leafs can probably absorb it. They’ll lose his speed and some edge, but the team has already added depth this offseason under new general manager John Chayka. Players such as Teddy Blueger and Colton Sissons may not bring Domi’s pace or offensive instincts, but they do offer more all-around impact, especially on the defensive side.
There is also a cap angle here that could matter right away. Toronto is currently about $2.75 million over the salary cap, according to PuckPedia. If Domi lands on Long-Term Injured Reserve, his $3.75 million AAV would be counted in a way that allows the Leafs to exceed the cap by that amount, which would make them compliant to open the season.
If and when Domi is ready to return, Toronto would still need to sort out the finances. For now, though, the Leafs have a path to get through the start of the year with their books in order if he ends up on LTIR.
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The support around McKenna matters because the early part of a season can shape how quickly a player settles in, especially in a market that asks plenty of everyone who wears the sweater. Tavares has made it clear he believes the Maple Leafs have the pieces to be in a good place, but the real test still comes on the ice, where the teams new look will have to prove itself in the games ahead. [Read more 🡒]