Auston Matthews endorses choice to replace Mitch Marner

The Toronto Maple Leafs have discovered the perfect alternative for Mitch Marner, backed by Craig Berube, and now by one other vital participant.

Auston Matthews praised Max Domi, who will be part of him with Matthew Knies on the highest line, describing him as a straightforward participant to play with, highlighting his persistence and imaginative and prescient.

“He’s actually affected person with the puck,” Matthews said, via TSN. “He’s actually good at drawing guys in and discovering lanes. He can move on his forehand, he can move on his backhand, and he’s actually sturdy on the puck. He wins battles, and he’s capable of finding areas.

“My expertise enjoying with him, I simply attempt to assist him and get open, and I’ve to be prepared always as a result of the puck can come each time. He’s a very easy participant to play with. He’s received a terrific mind and is tremendous good on the market, and he’s a terrific, nice passer,” he added.

Why Auston Matthews is suitable with Max Domi within the Maple Leafs offense

Berube appears to have determined that Domi, 30, may have an important position — at the very least to start out the season — and it is sensible.

Whereas Matthews, 28, is an elite shooter who optimizes brief home windows, Domi is a affected person passer who attracts protection and opens lanes. That dynamic is essential as a result of it creates time and house for Matthews’ launch.

Domi additionally handles stress effectively and performs inside, whereas Matthews thrives on passes from much less apparent locations. Domi’s versatility will increase the unpredictability of Toronto’s offense.

With Knies, 22, as a 3rd piece who assaults the weak facet and recovers, Domi might arrange triangles, and Matthews can be in place for a one-timer.

Berube needs Domi to shoot extra. This might complicate the position, but it surely might additionally imply that if the ahead threatens together with his personal shot, the protection couldn’t overload Matthews.

If Domi balances his passes and photographs, enjoying inside and maintaining his persistence, Matthews may have extra clear appears, making each gamers suitable — and it is a good name by Berube.