The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing a new era, and the spotlight has never been brighter. With the stunning departure of Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights, the team’s top line—once the envy of the NHL—has been left with a glaring vacancy.

Fans and analysts alike have speculated endlessly about who could possibly step into Marner’s shoes, but now, the captain himself, Auston Matthews, has made his stance clear.

In a move few saw coming, Matthews has thrown his full support behind Max Domi, a player known for his tenacity and playmaking ability, to fill the crucial right-wing position.

Yet, questions linger in the air: Can Domi really match Marner’s electrifying play and chemistry with Matthews? How will the dynamic between Domi, Matthews, and Matthew Knies evolve under the pressure of expectations and the leadership of new coach Craig Berube?

Matthews’ enthusiastic endorsement hints at a bold new direction for the Leafs, but only time will reveal if this gamble pays off. As Toronto fans hold their breath, the upcoming season promises twists, drama, and the possibility of a new superstar trio—one that could redefine the franchise’s future. The full story behind Matthews’ decision and what it means for the Maple Leafs awaits.

Auston Matthews, captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Photo credit: The Hockey Writers

Auston Matthews lost his top winger this season when Mitch Marner departed, and now he’s officially endorsed Max Domi to replace No. 16.

The biggest hockey story in Toronto this off-season was Mitch Marner departing the Maple Leafs for the Vegas Golden Knights, and as a result, it’s created a major hole on the teams top line.

Matthew Knies and captain Auston Matthews are both locked in already, but now, the team need to find a right winger to fill a crucial spot on what was one of the best lines in the NHL a season ago.

Auston Matthews Endorses Max Domi Role on Maple Leafs’ First Line

While the team brought in Mattias Macelli and others that could compete for that spot, they’re turning to a familiar face in Max Domi, who Craig Berube wants to be a dog on the top line.

We need him to be a bulldog.

When asked about Domi in the role, No. 34 was thrilled with the veteran taking up Marner’s role, Matthews called out Domi’s patience and the balance he’ll bring to that spot.

“He’s really patient with the puck. He’s really good at drawing guys in and finding lanes. He can pass on his forehand, he can pass on his backhand, and he’s really strong on the puck. He wins battles, and he’s able to find areas.

My experience playing with him, I just try to support him and get open, and I have to be ready at all times because the puck can come whenever. He’s a really easy player to play with. He’s got a great brain and is super smart out there, and he’s a great, great passer.”

Only time will now tell if Domi can be as good in the role as Marner was last season when he tallied his first 100 point campaign, but with Knies and Matthews hoping to take their game to another level, it appears Domi will fill a different role alongside them, and it’s a change that could work.