What happened to Max Domi? Why 'complications' from back surgery leave Maple Leafs forward's status 'in doubt' in 2026-27 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Armed with the No. 1 pick — expected to be used to select Penn State star Gavin McKenna — the Maple Leafs might finally be on the cusp of a breakthrough.
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Still, there are plenty of unknowns lurking in the shadows in Toronto, not the last of which is Max Domi's status for the upcoming season.
Domi, has been a steady point producer across his 11-year career, but he saw his numbers take a step back during an injury-ravaged 2025-26 season. In the process of attempting to remedy his alleged malady this offseason, Domi was reportedly left with another – one that could threaten his ability to play in games next year.
Here's what we know about Domi's latest injury setback, amplified by an apparent unsuccessful surgery.
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What happened to Max Domi?
Domi underwent surgery to address a back injury he played through during the regular season. On Monday, the Maple Leafs announced that Domi's operation has left him with "complications." Toronto ruled him out indefinitely.
The Toronto Sun's Steve Simmons reported that Domi — who spurned the Maple Leafs' choice for a surgeon in favor of one handpicked — was left unable to walk in the days following his surgery.
"His status remains in doubt for the coming season," Simmons wrote.
What is Max Domi's injury?
Toronto offered few details on the nature of Domi's injury and operation, simply saying the procedure was "to address an issue he played through this season", per NHL.com. Simmons reported Domi's back was the subject of the operation.
Whatever the issue, Domi toughed through it to play 80 games. He tallied 36 points (12 goals, 24 assists) this season, his third in Maple Leafs colors.
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Max Domi contract
- Years: Four
- Value: $15 million
Domi has two years left on the four-year, $15 million deal he inked with Toronto in 2024. The 31-year-old toiled throughout the 2025-26 season, with the Maple Leafs surrendering 29 more goals than they scored during his five-on-five minutes.
Domi's $3.75 million average annual salary makes him the joint-10th-highest-paid player on Toronto's payroll.
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