As July 1st approaches, marking the date Domi could become an unrestricted free agent, his commitment to improving his physical prowess is evident more than ever.
Despite an impressive debut season with the Leafs, where Domi tallied 47 points across 80 games, it's his off-ice summer activities that are drawing attention. Notably, his penalty minutes, ranking seventh league-wide with 118, hint at his gritty playing style. However, Domi's infrequent fights—just a few each year—do not fully capture his focus on enhancing his combat skills this off-season.
Domi's dedication to refining his fighting skills is showcased through his recent training sessions with renowned boxing coach Jorge Blanco. A former Olympic boxer and Spanish National Kickboxing Champion, Blanco's expertise is sought after by elite athletes, including UFC champion Georges St. Pierre. This summer, Blanco is lending his skills to Domi, as evidenced by posts on Domi's personal Instagram account detailing their rigorous workouts.
The legacy of toughness runs in his family—Max's father, Tie Domi, holds the record for the most fights in NHL history. While Max may not reach such heights in terms of sheer volume of bouts, his strategic focus on boxing could enhance his value to the Leafs significantly. Under the leadership of GM Brad Treliving, Toronto is keen on fostering a team culture rich in resilience and competitive edge, qualities that Domi is poised to embody more with each training session.
As Domi gears up potentially for more years with the Leafs, his off-season regimen underscores a clear message: the grind doesn't stop when the season does. His proactive approach to personal development not only prepares him for future on-ice challenges but also solidifies his role as a formidable competitor in the NHL.
