Max Domi Has Not Asked Canadiens For Trade, Still Likely to Be Moved

The following report may not change the likelihood that Montreal Canadiens forward Max Domi is moved by the organization. But, if he is traded, apparently, it won’t be because he asked to be.

Rumors have surrounded and will likely continue to surround Domi this offseason until the player either signs an extension with the Canadiens or is moved by the Canadiens. Perhaps even after one of those two things happens, Domi’s name may stay in the rumor mill since he’s had up and down seasons, there’s some debate about what position he’s best suited for and depending on the term of any deal he signs, he could be up for another renewal shortly thereafter.

Related: Max Domi Fires Agent: Is He Preparing For a Trade?

But, news on Monday notes that Domi’s new representation — Domi hired Darren Ferris after firing NHL player agent Pat Brisson — has said he’s not asked the team for a trade.

As per reports from Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, Ferris met with Canadiens’ general manager Marc Bergevin to discuss Domi’s future. At that meeting, Ferris made it clear Domi was not looking to be moved. Friedman notes that after talking to Ferris himself about that meeting, the agent was tight-lipped but did share a couple of things.

Friedman notes:

“He met with Marc Bergevin, he didn’t really want to say too much about the meeting, but the one thing he was willing to say was that Max Domi has not asked for a trade from the Montreal Canadiens. I don’t know where this is going to go, but Domi has not asked to be traded.”

Domi Will Still Be Traded

Despite not asking to be moved, the expecation is still that Domi will be. There’s just not room for his services on the Canadiens roster with Phillip Danault, Nick Suzuki and Jesper Kotkaniemi taking up the top center spots. And, because Domi is going to command a certain dollar figure, the Habs will probably move him and fill holes in other areas.

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Pierre McGuire has reported that the #Blackhawks are one of two strong landing spots for Montreal Canadiens pending RFA F Max Domi. McGuire states the return could include F Brandon Saad, who has one year left on his deal at $6M, with Domi looking at around the same price range (5-6M). Max Domi is a 25 year old, 5’ 10” center, so the forward is vastly approaching his prime years, and could fill the 2C or 3C role behind Jonathan Toews, or Kirby Dach, respectively. If the Blackhawks obtain his RFA rights and sign him to a multi-year deal, this would give the Blackhawks something they haven’t seen in a long time, even during the dynasty era, a strong lineup down the middle. It also would give the Blackhawks an opportunity to use Dylan Strome as a trade chip for other depth players, or a goaltender, in another trade. The Blackhawks last traded with Montreal in the 2019 offseason, a deal that brought Andrew Shaw back to Chicago. Thoughts?

A post shared by Chicago Blackhawks Coverage (@everydayblackhawks) on Sep 2, 2020 at 12:35pm PDT

Domi’s production did drop last season but he’s still looking to make between $5 and $6 million per season on a new deal and some believe in a new environment, he could thrive and be worth that much, especially if placed with higher-end talent.

Where he winds up is a mystery and a number of teams have been mentioned. From the Chicago Blackhawks, to the Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers, and Minnesota Wild for a defenseman like Matt Dumba, there are a handful of places that could be interested. Much of that will depend on the price.

Next: Are the Montreal Canadiens Looking at Taylor Hall?