Insider Drops Latest on Max Domi Talks With Maple Leafs

With just days left until free agency opens, word is starting to circulate that the Toronto Maple Leafs may not be able keep one or both of their pending UFA forwards, Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi.

But according to hockey insider Elliotte Friedman, at least on Domi, the ship has definitely not sailed just yet, and the two sides are going at it.

I've heard they're really battling to get something done with Domi. I know there were reports initially that it would have to be 5 (years) x $5M, but I don't think that's the case right now. I've heard the ask is in the 4 x 4 range which doesn't strike me as incredibly unreasonable, but I think the Maple Leafs are trying to be very careful.

As Chris Johnson noted on his podcast, Domi is "looking for some security right now": since his entry-level contract, he hasn't had anything longer than a two-year deal in place. The 29-year-old former first-round pick is looking for term, at least in the four-year range.

There's no question that Domi wants to stay in Toronto, and the Leafs want to keep him. He fit in well on his one-year deal this past season, and was able to contribute in a number of different lineup configurations. His offense did hit a bit of a lull at times, though he finished with 9 goals and 38 assists for 47 points.