Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Domi recently confirmed the status of his contract talks with General Manager Brad Treliving ahead of free agency.
With the free agent market opening in three weeks, players will soon be able to sign with any team. Domi, who had an impressive season in Toronto, is expected to receive many offers if he becomes available.
Since the season ended, Domi has expressed his desire to stay in Toronto. In a recent interview, he reiterated this and provided an update:
"I know my agent has been talking to (Treliving), though I have to keep that discussion in-house. Whatever happens will happen, but I've still enjoyed every second as a Leaf. I'd love to come back, it's a special organization, a special group of guys."
Brad Treliving also commented on Domi and Tyler Bertuzzi's contract situations in a recent interview. He is open to negotiations but emphasized the need for financial feasibility:
"It's got to work for them and it's got to work for us. We've got, certainly, some issues that we have to address on the roster. There's a pie, and there's only so much to go around. We've got a few guys who are up. And part of this is getting better, too. It's not just being the same. You're trying to get better in the process, as well. So we'll see."
With around $20 million in cap space available for the offseason, Treliving faces tough decisions. Priorities include acquiring defensemen and deciding on the goalie lineup for next season. While signing depth players like Domi or Bertuzzi could benefit the Leafs, budget constraints might lead to their departure on July 1st unless they agree to lower salaries.
