Home / Sports / Leafs Shake Up Lineup After Laughton Injury: Domi to Center, Maccelli Joins Matthews
Leafs Shake Up Lineup After Laughton Injury: Domi to Center, Maccelli Joins Matthews
8 Oct
Summary
- Leafs coach Berube moves Domi to center after Laughton's injury
- Maccelli gets first look on top line with Matthews
- Leafs sorting out Cowan's role with the team
As the Toronto Maple Leafs prepare for the start of the 2025-26 NHL season, the team has had to make some significant lineup changes in the aftermath of Scott Laughton's injury. Head coach Craig Berube has decided to move Max Domi back to center, believing he is the best option to fill the void left by Laughton's absence.
Domi, who has played both center and wing during his two seasons with the Leafs, will now anchor a line with Nick Robertson and Dakota Joshua. This move has opened up an opportunity for 24-year-old Matias Maccelli, who has been given the chance to play on the top line alongside Auston Matthews.
The Leafs are also still sorting out the role of Cowan, who has yet to play a game in the minors. The team feels Cowan earned a spot on the roster with his performance in training camp, but Berube is still determining where he fits in with the current lineup.
As the Leafs prepare to defend their Atlantic Division title, these lineup changes will be closely watched. Can Domi step up in the middle? Will Maccelli be able to fill the void left by the departed Mitch Marner on the top line? The answers to these questions will be crucial as the Leafs look to build on their success from last season.
