Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Domi has been activated from injured reserve, while Nikita Grebenkin has been assigned to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies, the team confirmed Tuesday.
Domi was considered a game-time decision for Tuesday’s contest against the New Jersey Devils and will almost certainly factor back into the lineup. The 29-year-old missed Toronto’s past eight games with a lower-body injury. Domi has recorded six assists in 19 games and is currently mired in a 13-game point drought. He will likely play on Toronto’s second line alongside John Tavares and William Nylander.
“I think Max has gotta maybe take a little bit of a different approach and not be such a selfless player and shoot more, just getting to the net and the greasy areas a little more. He’s that type of player who can score goals there. He’s a strong guy, heavy guy,” Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said of Domi following Monday’s practice.
“I think we would all agree that if the team wins, that’s all that matters. I could care less if I have 90 goals or 0 goals. If you’re on the ice and helping the team win, you’re doing your job and you’re helping out,” Domi said Monday.
Grebenkin did not record a point in seven NHL games. He was a physical presence and was on track to become a fan favourite during his tenure with the club. It’s likely Grebenkin could compete for a more permanent role with the Maple Leafs for the 2025-26 season.
Domi is certainly looking to make a major impact upon return and told reporters he’s been counting the days until he could get back into action. He’ll be granted an opportunity to generate some real offense with two potent linemates, for a Maple Leafs team that desperately needs more secondary scoring and production at 5-on-5.
