Leafs Camp Day 1: Domi Out, Stolarz Talks

Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving and head coach Craig Berube spoke at the opening of training camp on Wednesday, providing updates on the roster.

Treliving indicated that forward Max Domi, who was potentially to get the first crack at the top line right wing slot with Matthew Knies and Auston Matthews, suffered a lower-body injury that will prevent him from participating at the start of camp. The 30-year-old slumped to 33 points last season playing mostly up the middle, but with the addition of Nicolas Roy and Scott Laughton, Domi’s playmaking ability would seemingly be a good fit with Matthews. 

As for the focal points of camp, 2023 first-round pick Easton Cowan will get a long look to see if he can challenge for a spot on the Leafs roster or will need seasoning in the American Hockey League. 

“It takes time to develop your game. I think (Easton) going back, especially last year, to London, was 100% the right move. He had an exceptional year. He won a championship. He got to experience a lot of things. World Junior, went through a lot of development, not just on the ice, but off the ice. I think he’s ready now to come and try to push to be on the team.” Treliving said.

“Is that now? Is that October? Is that December? Is that a year from now? The players will decide. It really does come down to that, the players tell us. They tell us each day. They’ll tell us at the end of camp. And so that’s what the next three-ish weeks are for.”

Leafs Not Looking Outside……For Now

The Leafs GM is taking a wait-and-see approach to his roster, with the addition of three forwards in Nicolas Roy, Matias Maccelli, and Dakota Joshua, to see how things evolve, but potential outside of the organization additions, such as former Calgary Flames forward Dillon Dube, do not appear to be on the front burner.   

Treliving was asked about potential big-name free agents that could be available next summer (wonder who that could be?) and for reasons of tampering, could not take the bait, but did speak on the contract status of goalie Anthony Stolarz. 

“We’ve been engaged with Anthony and his representatives. Nothing to announce today. Well, nothing to announce right now. We’ll see what the day brings. I don’t get into a whole lot of discussion about contracts. We’re seeing if it can fit. It’s got to work for the player. He’s got to feel comfortable.” Treliving said. “It’s got to work for us. I’m confident, until proven otherwise, that we can find something that’s going to work, and hopefully we can do that in short order.”