What does the future hold in store for Max Domi?
Like all teams, the Columbus Blue Jackets are gearing up for the Mar. 21 NHL trade deadline.
During last year's trade deadline, the Blue Jackets made out like a bandit acquiring a multitude of draft picks for Nick Foligno, Riley Nash, and David Savard. One of those picks resulted in the drafting of Corson Ceulemans.
Caught up with Max Domi today after the optional skate. He said he loves Columbus and his teammates but admitted he and #CBJ havent talked about it much to be honest with you.
— Mark Scheig (@markscheig) March 4, 2022
Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers caught up with Domi who expressed his affection for the city of Columbus.
“I love Columbus," Domi said. "I think the people here (are) what stands out the most for me. As a guy that came from a big city, it’s pretty different. It’s laid back. It’s chill. It’s nice. That’s all you can really ask for. I’ve enjoyed my time here for sure.”
“When this rink is going, it’s a fun place to play. Our fans are going to be a big part of that. It’s a hostile environment for sure. We definitely have to use that to our advantage.”
Domi has 28 points (nine goals, 19 assists) this season. He started the year hot with four points—one goal, two assists vs Arizona Coyotes, one assist vs the Seattle Kraken—in the first two games of the season.
It was a surprise for Domi to even start the season on opening night as he recovered faster than expected from a labral tear before sustaining a fractured rib and dealing with COVID.
He had himself a night during Monday's 5-4 loss to the Maple Leafs, including two assists, a fight, and a breakaway that nearly led to a goal and would have completed the Gordie Howe hat trick.
Do not bodycheck Max Domi. pic.twitter.com/StY5mMloiP
— David (@DaveyUpper) March 8, 2022
A seven-year veteran, Domi has been a huge factor in Blue Jackets wins this season: 20 points (six goals, 14 assists, +16). In losses, the Blue Jackets need more from Domi: Seven points (three goals, four assists, -17).
As Domi enters his first summer as a UFA, he addressed the rumors with his name on the trade block.
"No, I'm not thinking about it," Domi said. "It's just the reality of where we're at. It's part of the business. (I'm) just trying to stay focused on where my two feet are right now, be as helpful as I can to my teammates, and help this team get into the playoffs."
That brings up the next question. If a trade involving Domi does happen, what are teams willing to part with in order to bring on his services in a midseason trade?
CapFriendly takes a look at the comparables to Domi with regard to contracts. Domi is currently making $5,300,000 AAV.
Taking a look back at last year's trade deadline, we highlight a few scenarios similar to Domi in terms of age, contract, and position to try to gauge some ideas.
Sam Bennett (191 points, 97 goals, 94 assists, 458 games) is just 25-years-old and thriving with the Florida Panthers. The Calgary Flames dealt him there last season along with a 2022 sixth-round pick. In exchange, Calgary received Emil Heineman and a 2022 second-round pick. Bennett signed for 4 years, $17,700,000 in the off-season.
Taylor Hall (30-years-old) was the steal of last year's trade deadline. Accompanying Hall to the Bruins was Curtis Lazar, and going back the other way to the Sabres was a 2021 second-round pick and Anders Bjork.
Hall signed for four years at $24,000,000 to stay with the Bruins through 2024-25, a deal that is likely richer than what Domi is looking at, however, the trade return for Hall was lower than one would have thought.
The Blue Jackets got more first-round picks back than the Sabres.
It's also been a while since Hall has scored 20 goals in a season, in which you'd have to go back to his 93-point MVP year in 2017-18 (39 goals, 54 assists). This year he has 41 points (12 goals, 29 assists).
Mattias Janmark (29-years-old) was acquired by the Golden Knights from the San Jose Sharks via the Chicago Blackhawks. Ultimately alongside Janmark, Vegas received a 2022 fifth-round pick and the Hawks ended up with a 2021 second-round pick and 2022 third-round pick. Janmark has 150 career points (64 goals, 86 assists) over his career. He signed a one-year, $2 million deal to stay in Vegas this season.
Anthony Mantha (26-years-old) was sent to the Capitals in exchange for a haul that included Jakub Vrana, Richard Panik, 2021 first-round pick, and 2022 second-round pick. Mantha had just signed a four-year deal with Detroit earlier in the season, so the haul in return makes sense based on the 5.7 million cap hit and AAV still owed to him through 2023-24. Mantha has been reduced to 12 games this season after undergoing shoulder surgery last November. He has 208 career points (101 goals, 107 assists) in 328 career games.
If Domi is traded and the Blue Jackets can receive a second or third-round pick, that seems reasonable.
Adam Gretz of NBC Sports mentioned Domi might fetch a second-round pick or later, and brought up respective trade return comps in recent years including Bennett last year and Andreas Athanasiou during the 2019-20 season.
The Maple Leafs are among those said to be interested in Domi, who they got a great look at on Tuesday night.
The next few weeks are going to be hectic. @irfgaffar & I kick off our Trade Deadline coverage, presented by @betwaycanada, touching on #BringItToBroad captain Claude Giroux, #CBJ forward Max Domi and 3 pending #FlyTogether UFAs. pic.twitter.com/wf6MoKmhV8
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) March 2, 2022
With less than two weeks to go on the calendar, the NHL trade deadline is ticking away. The rumors are only swirling from here on out.
