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Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Domi recently underwent surgery and now his NHL career is on hold.
On May 25, the Maple Leafs announced that Domi had undergone surgery “to address an issue he played through the 2025-26 season.” The team’s official statement did not mention the type of procedure the 31-year-old had undergone, but noted that Domi would be out indefinitely “due to complications resulting from the procedure.”
Toronto announcing Domi will be out indefinitely in the middle of the team’s offseason was odd, especially considering Domi played 80 games for the Leafs this past season.
Max Domi #11 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates with the puck against the Washington Capitals in the first period at Scotiabank Arena on April 8, 2026 in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images) (Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images)
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While the Leafs have kept all details of Domi’s surgery and complications under wraps, a new report suggests the forward faces a very serious uphill battle.
The Toronto Sun reported Sunday that Domi underwent a procedure on his back and that in the days following the surgery he was unable to walk.
Max Domi #11 celebrates with Joseph Woll #60 of the Toronto Maple Leafs after a win over the New York Rangers at Scotiabank Arena on March 25, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Thomas Skrlj/NHLI via Getty Images) (Thomas Skrlj/NHLI via Getty Images)
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The report also noted that Domi chose his own surgeon to perform the surgery and not the surgeon the Leafs had in mind, but noted that is not an uncommon decision in today’s professional sports world.
“Whatever happened here was not considered successful. Apparently Domi was unable to walk in the days following the surgery, causing considerable alarm,” wrote Steve Simmons. “His status is still in doubt for the upcoming season.”
Max Domi #11 of the Toronto Maple Leafs scores a goal against Casey DeSmith #1 of the Dallas Stars in the third period at Scotiabank Arena on April 13, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images) (Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images)
Domi has been a fixture in the Toronto lineup since joining the team as a free agent ahead of the 2023 season on a one-year contract before signing a new multi-year deal, playing in at least 74 games in each of his three seasons with the Maple Leafs.
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The former first round pick of the Arizona Coyotes in the 2013 NHL Draft, Domi scored 12 goals and posted 36 points in 80 games played this past season.
A native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Domi scored a career-high 72 points in the 2018-19 NHL season with the Montreal Canadiens.
