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Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Domi recently underwent surgery and his NHL career is now on hold.
On May 25, the Maple Leafs announced that Domi had undergone surgery “to resolve an issue he dealt with during the 2025-2026 season.” The team’s official statement did not mention the type of procedure the 31-year-old underwent, but said Domi would be out indefinitely “due to complications resulting from the procedure.”
Toronto announcing that Domi would be out indefinitely in the middle of the team’s offseason was strange, especially since Domi played in 80 games with the Leafs last season.
Max Domi #11 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates with the puck against the Washington Capitals during the first period at Scotiabank Arena on April 8, 2026 in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images) (Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images)
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Although the Leafs have kept all details of Domi’s surgery and its complications under wraps, a new report suggests the forward faces a very uphill battle.
The Toronto Sun reported Sunday that Domi had back surgery and in the days following the surgery he could no longer walk.
Max Domi #11 celebrates with Joseph Woll #60 of the Toronto Maple Leafs after a victory against the New York Rangers at Scotiabank Arena on March 25, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Thomas Skrlj/NHLI via Getty Images) (Thomas Skrlj/NHLI via Getty Images)
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The report also points out that Domi chose his own surgeon to perform the surgery and not the one the Leafs had in mind, but points out that this is not an uncommon decision in today’s world of professional sports.
“What happened here was not considered a success. Apparently, Domi could not walk in the days following the operation, which caused considerable concern,” Steve Simmons wrote. “His status remains uncertain for the upcoming season.”
Max Domi #11 of the Toronto Maple Leafs scores a goal against Casey DeSmith #1 of the Dallas Stars during the third period at Scotiabank Arena on April 13, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images) (Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images)
Domi has been a staple on Toronto’s roster since joining the team as a free agent ahead of the 2023 season on a one-year deal before signing a new multi-year deal, playing at least 74 games in each of his three seasons with the Maple Leafs.
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A former first-round pick of the Arizona Coyotes in the 2013 NHL Draft, Domi scored 12 goals and collected 36 points in his 80 games played last season.
Domi, a native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, scored a career-high 72 points during the 2018-19 NHL season with the Montreal Canadiens.
