Max Domi finds it 'crazy' that childhood friend is a Maple Leafs linemate
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He was the kid Max Domi learned to skate with, the kid he would try to sit beside in the dressing room when he got called up for a game or two.
Now, Domi looks over and sees Scott Laughton on the same line with the Maple Leafs.
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Max Domi finds it 'crazy' that childhood friend is a Maple Leafs linemate Back to video
The chances of that happening, growing up with someone from such a young age to becoming teammates in the National Hockey League, aren’t lost on Domi.
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“It’s crazy,” Domi said on Thursday after the Leafs’ optional morning skate at Scotiabank Arena, prior to meeting the Florida Panthers. “He’s a guy I looked up to as a kid. He was the guy, the best player on his team, and he always treated me so well. Not just learning how to skate … He’d always take care of me, always talk to me, always check in.”
This would be, Domi figured, when they were in the range of 10-12 years old and playing minor hockey for the Toronto Marlies. A year younger than Laughton, Domi would get summoned to the older team every so often and would seek Laughton out.
With the acquisition of Laughton last Friday from the Philadelphia Flyers, Domi — who was speaking with media for the first time since the NHL trade deadline passed — is doing the same thing now, only it’s an eye to creating offence for the Leafs.
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“He’s so smart, he does all the little things,” Domi said. “I’ve known him my whole life, so I know, but these guys are just getting to know him, and he’s one of the best teammates you’re going to find.
“He kills penalties, he makes plays, he’s really good through the middle of the ice, takes faceoffs, plays with a bit of an edge. He’s going to be a big part of our group.”
Why does Leafs coach Craig Berube think a line of Laughton between Domi and Bobby McMann can be successful?
“Laughts is a straight-line, north-south player,” Berube said. “He needs to go out and play that way. Max can make plays. We all know that. He’s a good passer. Sees the ice extremely well. With him and Bobby on that line … they can get in there and forecheck and create loose pucks and get it to Max and get to the net. That’s what I tell these guys, get to the net. That’s where the goals are scored.
“That’s what I’m looking for with that line.”
We’ll see what kind of runway the trio has to impress the coach.
“I don’t really have a leash on it,” Berube said. “If I don’t like what I’m seeing, I’ll change it. I’ll just play it by ear.”
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