When you take a look at the type of season that rookie phenom Max Domi had last year, it is not beyond a reasonable expectation that he will advance his statistics from the 2015-16 season. His 18 goals, 34 assists shows he possesses the capabilities to become a real offensive weapon for the Arizona Coyotes.
Which line works best?
He was moved around from different lines last season, but that is typical to see how well he plays with other line-mates. Besides, Head Coach Dave Tippett likes to change his line combinations on a regular basis until he finds the chemistry he approves of, and with a player of Domi’s skill and speed -- that's not rocket science.
Of course, the kind of chemistry Domi and Anthony Duclair exhibited is something special.
You could see it every time they stepped out on the ice together. They know each other's every move, and the anticipation of where the pass is headed, or where the other guy will be, is an amazing thing to watch.
Now, granted Duclair did out score Domi by two goals tallying that magic number of 20 goals in his initial full season after coming over from the New York Rangers in the blockbuster trade for Keith Yandle…and don't think that Duclair doesn't remind his good friend of that on a regular basis.
The two were on the same line together with big guy Martin Hanzal for awhile, but then when the Coyotes traded Mikkel Boedker for Alex Tanguay at the trade deadline, Duclair moved to what was known as the “French Connection” line, centered by veteran Antione Vermette, with Tanguay on the opposite wing. The line definitely showed terrific chemistry and offensive firepower.
Domi was teamed up with Hanzal and Tobias Rieder, as well as captain Shane Doan.
Wonder kid line
With the probable addition of OHL star Dylan Strome to the lineup this upcoming season, the Coyotes could entertain a line combo of Strome, Domi, and Duclair. The speed, of Domi combined with the skillful passing of Strome, and Duclair’s artful ability to skate under the radar could cause opposing defenses to wonder how to stop the “wonder kids.”
Domi and Duclair did team up on the power play unit quite often to instill some scoring threat, and they will probably be back together in that role next season.
A penalty killer too?
Head Coach Dave Tippett even added Domi to the penalty kill unit towards the end of last season. Tippett recognized that Domi’s adept stick handling skills, as well as his excellent skating prowess would deem him a penalty killing pro. Domi was very accepting of the role addition, as he wants to do whatever possible to move the team to the next level. He’s that kind of special player, and the Coyotes are very fortunate to have a player of his caliber on their team.
So, depending on whom Domi will have as his line mates, he could very well hit that magic 25 goal mark, and move into being an even more impact player than he displayed last season.
And don't forget folks, this young, talented hockey player does it all while inflected with type-1 diabetes, and doesn't complain.
In fact, he instills in other young athletes that if he can overcome the disease – so can they.