Meet the New Blackhawks: Max Domi

The Chicago Blackhawks had the busiest offseason in recent memory. They let over nine players go in an attempt to accomplish a total rebuild. But as many players left the club, just as many came in. The organization signed 10 free agents this summer, and with eight of them being brand-new faces to the franchise, our writing team started a “Meet the New Blackhawks” series to get better acquainted with the roster. The next player on the list is arguably the biggest free-agent signing by Chicago, forward Max Domi.

Domi’s NHL Career

Domi’s career started with the Arizona Coyotes after being drafted in the first round (12th overall) in the 2013 NHL Draft. He was expected to be a big piece of the Coyotes’ core to keep them in playoff contention. One year earlier, in 2012, the Yotes lost the Western Conference Final to the Los Angeles Kings, so adding Domi seemed like a slam dunk to build off of that playoff performance.

Domi made his NHL debut in 2015 and had a promising rookie season in the desert with 18 goals, 34 assists, and 52 points in 81 games, making him second on the team in scoring behind former captain Oliver Ekman-Larsson (55 points), and fourth-best among rookies in the NHL. The following two seasons in Arizona saw a significant drop in goals. In 2016-17, he had hand surgery, which resulted in him missing a considerable amount of time, but ultimately produced 18 goals in two seasons. He was traded to the Montreal Canadiens in June 2018 for Alex Galchenyuk as the Coyotes were looking for assets for their rebuild, having missed the playoffs for five straight years.

When Domi arrived in Montreal, his production exploded. In 2018-19, he had a career-high 72 points in 82 games (17 goals, 27 assists), followed by 44 points in 71 games in 2019-20. He got traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets in Oct. 2020 and signed a two-year, $10.6 million contract extension. His time in Columbus was disastrous. In the two seasons he spent there, he had a career low in points with 56 points in 107 games (18 goals, 38 assists). He fell out of favor with former head coach John Tortorella, who gave him the first healthy scratches of his career. He was then traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in May 2022 and had two goals, five assists, and seven points in 19 games while totaling six points in 14 games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The highlight of his season was Game 7 with the Hurricanes against the Boston Bruins, where Domi had two goals and three points, which ultimately led to the ‘Canes reaching the second round of the playoffs.

Overall, Domi plays a Chicago-like game. He plays with heart and competitiveness while also having the scoring touch. He has had trouble returning to the player he was with the Canadiens, but the potential is still there as he and coach Richardson believe the new coaching system will bring out the best in him. It doesn’t look like he will be a Blackhawk long term because of the rebuild, but he has a lot to offer in the meantime. He can provide a veteran presence to help prospects and bring much-needed energy and experience to the team. Also, it can’t be understated how excited Domi is to be on the team, as he said he hopes to be here for a long time and couldn’t be happier. With him so fired up to wear the Blackhawks’ sweater, he could be a breath of fresh air on and off the ice next season.

Domi is ready for October. Are you?