Montreal Canadiens
5 Possible Trade Destinations For Canadiens Max Domi
Is it widely believed Max Domi will be traded, but where will he wind up? Matt Larkin of the Hockey News lists five possible destinations.
To many, the question is not if Max Domi will be traded, but when. He’s fired his agent to hire one that may seek a trade. That same agent has come out and said Domi has not asked for a trade (which often means one is forthcoming). He’s talked about wanting to play center over the wing. In fact, every arrow points to Domi being a better fit somewhere else.
So, if he’s going to be moved — and we believe he will be — where will Max Domi wind up?
Matt Larkin of SI.com via The Hockey News took a look at five possible destinations and provided a brief explanation as to why each team might be a candidate. We’ve added our own take and combined them to try and make sense of the rumors.
Domi and the Buffalo Sabres
The Sabres always seem to be in the market to make deals and it’s quite amazing how often the team makes trades for star players but continues to struggle in the standings. That said, Domi to Buffalo could actually be a good fit.
The Sabres have plenty of cap space ($34.5 million) and with Domi just 25, he’s young and skilled and could line up behind Jack Eichel as the second-line center.
Larkin writes:
The Sabres can’t risk screwing up top prospect Dylan Cozens’ development by making the same mistake and forcing him too high up the depth chart without earning his way there. New GM Kevyn Adams needs to acquire a veteran center.
Related: Hurricanes’ Dougie Hamilton Watching Pietrangelo Negotiations Closely
Domi and the Minnesota Wild
The moment fans heard that Matt Dumba might be available out of Minnesota, people started trying to connect the dots to Domi out of Montreal. That may not be the trade that happens, but Domi in Minny might make sense.
Domi with Kevin Fiala and Kirill Kaprizov has a nice ring to it and Bill Guerin is still looking to make some big moves to make his mark on the team. Cap space is an issue and the Wild have identified a need to upgrade their goaltending so if Domi is too expensive, it might not work.
Larkins writes:
The Wild are old at the center position. They need a younger, more dynamic pivot…
Their top center prospect, Alex Khovanov, needs more time to develop and doesn’t grade out as a can’t-miss star. Since the Wild appear to be assuming more of a retooler identity than a rebuilder one under new GM Bill Guerin, an established NHL center with youth still on his side might make sense.
Domi and the Columbus Blue Jackets
The Columbus Blue Jackets could certainly use some help at the forward position, there’s talk they’ll move Josh Anderson, and after center Pierre-Luc Dubois, there’s not much to brag about.
Larkin suggests there’s a fit between Montreal and Columbus that could send Anderson back the other way.
Domi to the Winnipeg Jets
Understandably, the Jets need to focus on upgrading their blue line. But, there is a potential opening with so much uncertainty surrounding Bryan Little‘s career and with rumors the Jets might consider moving Patrik Laine or Nikolaj Ehlers. The last thing Winnipeg wants is to lose three key forwards and not replace them. They know how that feels having seen it go down with their defense one season earlier.
Larkin writes:
Domi could plug a crucial hole in the Jets’ lineup, and they have a variety of potential packages to dangle. Might Roslovic want a change of scenery? Or would GM Kevin Cheveldayoff try to build a blockbuster involving Patrik Laine?
Related: Are the Montreal Canadiens Looking at Taylor Hall?
Domi and the San Jose Sharks
The San Jose Sharks may call what they’re about to do “retooling”, but there’s no doubt they could stand to make more changes and are closer to potentially rebuilding than anything else. Domi as a young center the team could build with moving forward seems logical.
Larkin is right in saying the Sharks’ roster at forward got decimated last season. He cites the departures of Joe Pavelski, Joonas Donskoi and Gustav Nyquist as key losses and asks what the team will do if Wilson considers moving on from Joe Thornton? If Thornton leaves, expect the Sharks to actively try to land another center.
Domi Will Have Options
As an RFA, Domi could stand to make some good money, but even more than that, could find a team where he fits like a glove. That certainly isn’t going to be Montreal next season on either front so expect a trade in the coming weeks.
Domi can play center or wing but how productive he is might depend on how much teams decide to use him and where. He’s enjoyed a breakout season with 72 points but saw his production drop to 44 points with little playing time.
He needs a change of scenery in the worst way.
Next: NHL Scribe Details Clever Way to Fit Pietrangelo’s Deal In for Maple Leafs
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