Wouldn't hate it, but I think they can do better.
John Tavares is still a Maple Leaf [4 years, $4.38mil AAV]
- Thread starter bustaheims
- Start date
I really hope they find a way to move Domi.
And I forgot that Reaves is still under contract.
herman
Well-known member
Okay, Jason Robertson.
I give Domi a lot of props for the way he played in playoffs. Obviously some dumb penalties but one of the few players to step up offensively. Still though, he's such an odd fit in the line-up. I don't think he should be on the top line, I don't think he should play with Nylander, I don't think he should play with Tavares. Just not sure where he slots in. I think if the team wanted to move him they could but it's not an absolute priority.
Reaves I imagine will basically stick around for vibes as much as possible but it's clear the team has no problem moving him down to the Marlies if/when required.
OldTimeHockey
Well-known member
Only space I see Domi is on Matthews line. And if he doesn't work there, there's no real spot for him. He can't make up for Nylander's less than(although improved) defensive play. Can't carry a line. Like you, I was pleasantly surprised with him in the playoffs, but I just don't know that his upside outweighs his downside (for the most part).
I agree with you, and he’s he did step up in the playoffs, but, as you mention, he doesn’t really excel at anything and doesn’t really fit in anywhere. I just feel they can do better, and even to get some draft capital back would be nice. But I don’t think there’s much interest in him.
OldTimeHockey
Well-known member
I think Tavares starts in the exact same place. 2nd line C. I don't know that him and Laughton would work. I'm not even sure that Laughton is much more than a real good 4th liner. 13 goals in back 2 back seasons doesn't really scream "move me up the line up".
His contract was front loaded so that's a plus. He's due a $2.5mil signing bonus presumably on July 1st. Once that's paid out he'll be owed $1.5mil for this upcoming season and $3mil in each of the next two. With the rising cap those salaries and a $3.75mil AAV don't seem that crazy for a likely 40 point forward with some bite to his game.
dappleganger
Well-known member
Domi does excel at one thing, passing. Specifically, passes to the slot. He's elite and actually grades out better than Marner. It wasn't a coincidence Matthews went on a tear when Domi played on his line.
herman
Well-known member
Does Domi want to just LTIR himself until the playoffs? It's not like he really does anything in the regular season.
The numbers make it look like it's elite, but actually it's more like... indiscriminately throwing/saucing pucks into the slot. Doesn't matter if anyone is there or not.
The numbers make it look like it's elite, but actually it's more like... indiscriminately throwing/saucing pucks into the slot. Doesn't matter if anyone is there or not.
Laughton was 8th among forwards in 5-on-5 ice time during the playoffs, and 6th in all situations. He was a 4C on paper then only, and I have a hard time imaging the Leafs pencil him in there to start the season. Anything's possible though, it'll really depend on what other moves are made during the offseason.
Yeah aside from penalties this was my biggest gripe about his play during playoffs. He REALLY needs to get that coached out of his game.
dappleganger
Well-known member
Forget what the advanced stats say. Just go with the Herman eye test.
Matthews scores at a higher rate with Domi on his wing than Marner, indiscriminate passes or not. The downside with Domi is his defence. How much that is a problem probably comes down to how much you care about the defence abilities of wingers.
OldTimeHockey
Well-known member
Forget what the advanced stats say. Just go with the Herman eye test.
Matthews scores at a higher rate with Domi on his wing than Marner, indiscriminate passes or not. The downside with Domi is his defence. How much that is a problem probably comes down to how much you care about the defence abilities of wingers.
I care a lot about the defence abilities of wingers. Especially considering his biggest defensive blunders are actually in the offensive zone.
And of course Matthews scores at a higher rate. He's played far less with Domi than Marner.
