Toronto Maple Leafs center max domi sidelined indefinitely after post-season surgery issues

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced on Monday that veteran center Max Domi will be out indefinitely due to complications from off-season surgery. The 31-year-old underwent the procedure to address an issue he had played through during the 2025-26 campaign, but unforeseen problems have now arisen.

Domi, a Winnipeg native, appeared in 80 games last season and posted 12 goals along with 24 assists for 36 points. He was scratched on just two occasions and averaged 14 minutes and 53 seconds of ice time per game, splitting time between the wing and center positions, often alongside Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies.

The team has not disclosed specifics about the surgery or the complications. Domi is expected to continue working with the Maple Leafs medical staff and will be re-evaluated when training camp begins in the fall.

Domi’s 2025-26 season in review

Domi signed a four-year contract worth $3.75 million annually with a 13-team no-trade clause prior to free agency in 2024. He brought physicality and versatility to the lineup after previous stints with several other NHL clubs.

• Played through a lower-body injury during the pre-season that caused him to miss some exhibition games.
• Contributed steadily on the third and fourth lines while occasionally moving up the depth chart.
• Helped stabilize the bottom-six forward group during a season that saw the Leafs make several deadline additions.

His production remained consistent despite the physical demands of the schedule. Teammates and coaches often praised his willingness to play through pain, which made the recent announcement particularly surprising.

Contract and cap implications for Toronto

With two seasons remaining on his deal, Domi’s $3.75-million cap hit will remain on the books. The Maple Leafs are projected to enter the off-season with approximately $22.2 million in available space.

Calle Jarnkrok and Troy Stecher represent the club’s only pending unrestricted free agents at the NHL level. On the restricted side, Mattias Maccelli and Nick Robertson hold arbitration rights and will require new contracts.

The organization must now plan around Domi’s absence for the start of training camp. General manager Brad Treliving and the hockey operations staff will monitor his recovery closely while exploring roster options.

Looking ahead to training camp and beyond

Domi’s situation adds another layer of uncertainty to the Maple Leafs’ forward group heading into 2026-27. The team will rely on younger players and potential free-agent additions to fill the void in the short term.

Re-evaluation at the start of camp will provide the first clear timeline for his return. Until then, the focus remains on his full recovery and long-term health.

For the latest updates on the Maple Leafs’ off-season moves, check out our recent coverage on roster planning and cap management. Additional context on similar player recoveries can be found in our archive of injury reports from past seasons.