Toronto Maple Leafs' Max Domi to miss start of season

The Toronto Maple Leafs will be starting next season without one of their versatile middle-six forwards.

According to Leafs Morning Take co-host Nick Alberga, Domi is still recovering from offseason back surgery, and won't be ready for training camp next season, and is very likely going to miss some time to start the 2026-27 season.

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

Domi appeared in 80 games last season for the Leafs, scoring 12 goals, and 36 points, while playing just under 15 minutes per night. Domi played a ton on Toronto's top line with Auston Matthews last year, and would be in tough to once again land the job this year, as new GM John Chayka has added Jack Roslovic, and drafted Gavin McKenna first overall. Roslovic and Matthews have history together, however, Domi is a much better facilitator, but that can't be said against McKenna.

Once Domi is healthy to return, it's going to be tough for him to carve himself out a role within this Maple Leafs' lineup. There's a bunch of new faces like Nick Paul, Roslovic, Colton Sissons, McKenna, Brandon Duhaime, and Teddy Blueger, who are all expected to be in the lineup opening night, so Domi's going to have his work cut out for him.

Domi is under contract for two more years at $3.7 million AAV, and owns a 13-team no-trade clause, however, Chayka used to be his trainer with the London Knights, and Mats Sundin is someone he calls an uncle, so it's not very likely they move on from someone they're so familiar with. Toronto currently is $2.7 million over the salary cap, and will move Domi to LTIR to ensure they're cap compliant for opening night.