Blackhawks Bottom Line: Max Domi Came Through for Chicago

Over the course of the next month, Chicago Hockey Now will be profiling every Chicago Blackhawks player from the 2022-23 season. Today, will be forward Max Domi.

Max Domi
Forward
Games Played: 80 (60 with Chicago)
(Goals – Assists – Points with Chicago): 18-31-49
Contract Status: Unrestricted Free Agent

The Short View

Domi was signed to a one-year, $3M deal, the scrappy forward ended up doing exactly what general manager Kyle Davidson hoped he would. Notching 18 goals and being one of the more tenacious forwards, Domi endeared himself to Chicago fans for his snarl and scoring. He delighted the front office when he garnered a 2025 second-round pick from Dallas. Stars fans were thrilled as he was a main driver of their success, though that’s looking precarious as Dallas is on the verge of being swept in the Western Conference Final.

The Long View

Domi did what he was signed for. With the Blackhawks, who needed the veterans signed to the short-term to produce, he came through. They also needed it because it would allow for them to drive up the price to acquire draft picks or prospects before or at the deadline. Domi achieved both. Heading into unrestricted free agency, he could be considered a candidate to return, but it’s likely after his best season statistically in six years that his price tag increased.

The Bottom Line

Domi could be brought back since it’s not expected that Chicago will be escaping the full rebuild for at least another couple of seasons. Despite the lottery luck, they’re still a number of pieces away from putting together a playoff caliber team. Domi, however, could be brought back for the same reasons. Help ice the team with a proven veteran and one who would be more than happy to scrap for Connor Bedard. He could then be moved to playoff contender again, giving Chicago another crack at a draft pick or potentially a player who fits into the long term.

Domi is still only 28. He’ll be valuable to playoff teams and will put the puck in the net. But his price range will go up and it’ll be up to Chicago if they want to invest in what would likely be another one-year deal. Fans wouldn’t be upset if Domi returns to Chicago. It’ll come down to whether the price–and the circumstances–is right for both.

Previous Blackhawks Bottom Line Entries: Jonathan Toews | Andreas Athanasiou | Tyler Johnson | Seth Jones | MacKenzie Entwistle | Taylor Raddysh | Connor Murphy