Fearless Domi signing a one-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs on July 3 was a popular move in the city, as his father, Ty, was a crowd favorite while playing in the same organization from 1995 to 2006. As a boy, Max was often seen in the Maple Leafs locker room under the likes of Mats Sundin, Curtis Joseph and Thomas Caperll.
For Marner, it was the reunion of two players who helped the London Ontario Hockey League become a dominant force from 2013 to 2015.
“It’s amazing,” Marner told NHL.com at the recent Marner All-Star Invitational 2023 charity event. “Max is a great player. But, just as importantly, he’s a great player.” [heck] For a person away from the ice, too. I’ve seen it firsthand in the juniors anyway. And it would be great if our team had someone like that. ”
The 2014-15 regular season showcased the talents of both players, as they each finished in the OHL’s top ten and combined for 226 points. Marner finished second with 124 (42 goals and 82 assists), three behind Erie Dylan Strom; Dumy finished 9th with 102 (32 goals, 70 assists).
Dumy also had 66 penalty minutes that season, showing his game was muscular and boisterous. Marner said it was an element added by Domi and his fellow freelancers. Tyler Bertuzzi And Ryan Reeves Bring it to the maple leaf.
“All of these guys bring different elements to the team but they are all good along the walls,” he said. “Max’s playing abilities should fit into our system really well given the way he plays, so we’re really excited about that. We’re excited to see how he fares with our team.
“It must be a lot of fun.”
During a one-on-one interview with NHL.com, the 26-year-old discussed Toronto’s five-game exit to the Florida Panthers in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, the departure of general manager Kyle Dubas and the arrival of substitute Brad Treleving; Appearing on stage with country music star Shania Twain. taking hockey puck shots with Red Bull race car driver Max Verstappen; her upcoming marriage and her philanthropic work.
Can you discuss how Max, Tyler and Ryan help create a new look for the team?
“The thing is, we’ve obviously brought in a lot of guys who are heavy throwers, who aren’t afraid to go to dirty places and are going to do crazy things out there. So we’re excited. All three players influence the game, and that gives us some flexibility in the lineup.”
How different is this offseason, considering your elimination by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round of the Eastern Conference was the team’s first victory since 2004? In the meantime, how bad will the team once again fail to bid for the Stanley Cup?
“It could be two ways. I mean, we’ve obviously taken a step in the right direction. But it’s still frustrating that you haven’t come close to where you think you can go with your talent. It happens sometimes. You can’t do anything about it now. For us, or at least for me, it’s just about getting back into the groove, preparing my body for another full season and trying to play.”
Much has been said about whether the so-called “four cores” Austin MathewsAnd William NylanderAnd John Tavares and must feature perceived group failures after the season. Treliving doesn’t seem like he wants to break up the group, even as Austin and William enter the final year of their contracts. Rightly or wrongly, how do you deal with that responsibility, as well as potential blame when expectations are not met?
“Listen, we want to take on a huge responsibility. Yes, we definitely have a lot of weight on our shoulders, but a weight that we all wanted and demanded a lot about in what we do on the ice. At the same time, it’s definitely a team sport, you need everyone and we all know we have to be better to achieve our ultimate goals. So there’s nothing you can do about it, everyone just ignores that kind of blockage.
I recently asked if you would assist with contract negotiations involving Austin and William (if asked). You have confirmed that they are your friends first and foremost. Talk about your relationship with them.
“I’m definitely their friend before a teammate. Both guys, their friendships mean a lot to me. I can’t wait to have them come to the wedding and have a good time with them. There’s clearly a business side to our lives and we hope things work out well. They both have so much passion and love for our team and know we can do something special here. But unless I really need to get involved with them, I’ll try to talk to them more often.”
I grew up in the Toronto area, so you know all that comes with playing hockey in the aquarium here. Even after producing 554 points (168 goals, 386 assists) in 507 games with the Maple Leafs, some experts still think you should be traded. Have things like this dampened your enthusiasm for playing for your city’s team?
“I think you can see the excitement and how much fun I have, whether it’s having fun around the rink or just wearing this T-shirt. I know there are more lovers than haters. Much more than that.
What do you think of how Brad Triliving has fared during his short tenure as GM?
“He’s done a great job so far. It’s a new direction and we’re all excited to move forward and see how it goes.”
Two of your notable teammates, John Tavares and Morgan Reilly, took the time to hit the ice with the kids as part of Marner’s All-Star Celebrity Invitational. This is the fifth year of the event. Proceeds go to the Marner Assist Foundation, which aims to help children’s lives, including welfare, health and education for children. You always had a sweet place to help the children in the days when you used to make hospital visits to see them during your days in London. How unique is it to you?
“It’s something with a lot of passion, a lot of joy. It’s something I always look forward to. So lucky we can do that.”
The event is part of a busy summer for you, which included you and fiancée Stephanie LaChance being taken on stage by country music star Shania Twain during a show here in Toronto last month. I was there with a young man who won a competition through Marner Assist and Twain’s charity Shania Kids Can. I had sent Shania a message telling us how much Stephanie liked her. How wonderful was this experience?
“Absolutely a great moment. Shania is a Canadian icon. At first, the two foundations were two charities trying to do something together. Fortunately, we were able to do something with her charitable foundation as she was with ours. And fortunately, everything works. Then we realized we were going to the concert and didn’t think of anything else. Something we will both remember for the rest of our lives. ”
Less than a week before Shania’s show, I was at the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, gave Red Bull drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez’s Maple Leafs jerseys and taught them how to shoot the net. Verstappen appears to be on his way to another drivers’ championship. How was the experience?
“The guys were great. I was really surprised at how relaxed and easy-going I was. Really great people. I had no idea what it was going to be like to race a weekend other than being very tense. So it was great for them to take time out of their busy schedules because, especially for these guys, everything counts. Minute by minute. So it was great to sit with all of them, have a good chat and listen to the racetrack in an uncertain moment.”
Finally, you have another one coming up: your wedding.
So excited. We had so much fun planning. We’re going to have so much fun that day and all weekend. So we can’t wait to celebrate with family and friends and, you know, [heck] of time. »
