In this edition of The Journey, we will look at the fantasy potential of  Arizona Coyotes foward prospect Max Domi.

The Domi name is one that has often caused mix of emotions throughout the NHL. However, the path of a father and son combination playing in the NHL does not have to be the same. As the son of a former NHL tough guy, Max Domi grew up with the NHL life as common place. Maple Leaf Gardens was his playground. Names like Lemieux and Clarke were his inspirations and mentors. The younger Domi learned to play the game in a skillful way, not needing to rely on the persona that his father brought to the rink every day.

Playing for the midget AAA Don Mills Flyers, Domi followed in the footsteps of NHL alumni such as Rick Tocchet, Scott Mellanby, Larry Murphy and Kris Draper. His midget season was highlighted by 57 points in only 30 games, showcasing not only the ability to create his own offense, but also a knack for generating scoring chances for his teammates. Selected with the eighth overall pick by Kingston in the 2011 OHL draft, Domi was quickly traded to the London Knights before the 2011-12 OHL season. Throughout his career with London, Domi compiled a staggering 391 points in 289 regular-season and playoff games.  However, due to his size, the dynamic forward was dropped down draft boards, as the 19^th rated North American skater prior to the 2013 draft.

The Arizona Coyotes were happy to take a chance on Max with the 12^th overall pick in the 2013 draft. Once they did, Domi hit the ground running with a solid 2013-14 season in London. Compiling 87 points in 64 games the dynamic forward took a huge step forward following his draft year as an OHL All-Star.

Many thought that Domi was ready for the NHL following his 2013-14 season, but Arizona decided that they would bring the young forward along slowly. Unlike past rushed prospects Kyle Turris and Mikkel Boedkker, the Coyotes sent Domi back to London for his final season. Eventually losing to Erie in the OHL playoffs, Domi was the Knights best player throughout the season, posting 102 points in 57 games, and adding an additional nine points during their playoff run.  Along with Anthony Duclair, Max was among the most important forwards for Canada’s gold medal winning World Junior Championship team, leading the tournament with five goals.

Making the team out of camp for the 2015-16 season, Domi has had in incredibly hot start to the season playing with fellow Coyotes prospect Anthony Duclair.  Altough Arizona was on of the worst teams in the NHL last season, they have posted a 3-3-1 record thus far on the shoulders of their two dynamic young forwards.

From a scouting perspective, Domi is a special talent. He has elite offensive ability, combined with a motor not matched by many prospects in the game. As an undersized player, Domi uses his vision and elite passing skills to find his teammates and set up scoring chances. Likewase, his top notch puck skills create space in the offensive zone and allow him to push pace in the neutral zone.

Fantasy Potential: There aren’t many prospects who have the offensive upside that Domi has. Likely, the undersized forward will be a 70+ performer that will not only make his own offense with his top-end talent, but has the ability to find his teammates at crucial times. Playing with a slight edge, he will be a player who could provide penalty minutes from a multi-category perspective, however any peripheral categories will be a bonus.

Dobber Prospect Rank: sixth ranked offensive prospect in DobberHockey’s Top 215

Fantasy Outlook: A-

Pros: Skating, Vision, Compete Level, Playmaking ability

Cons: Size

Anticipated NHL Arrival: Domi is currently tied with Connor McDavid and Artemi Panarin for the most points among rookie scorers in the NHL thus far in the 2015-16 season. With eight points in seven games, Domi is Arizona’s top scorer and should be in the NHL to stay.  

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