Max Domi left unable to walk after surgery complications

Max Domi suited up for 80 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs last season while battling a nagging injury, putting up 12 goals and 24 assists along the way. The offseason was supposed to be about recovery and getting healthy. But what followed his spring back surgery has raised serious alarm bells around the organization.

Toronto Sun columnist Steve Simmons reported several weeks ago that the procedure did not go as planned. While exact details of the complications have not been made public, Simmons reported that Domi was unable to walk in the days following the operation, a development that understandably sent shockwaves through the Leafs' front office.

Simmons also noted that Domi personally selected the surgeon who performed the procedure. That is not uncommon in today's NHL, but in this instance, the choice reportedly led to severe consequences. The Maple Leafs would not be held responsible for the selection of the physician.

The good news is that Domi can now walk without issue. However, he remains in recovery, and his availability for the 2026-2027 season is very much in doubt. An evaluation is expected at the start of training camp, though his status remains highly uncertain for now.

The situation also presents an early and significant challenge for Toronto's newly restructured sports performance department. The organization brought in Andy O'Brien to lead the group, along with several specialists, including Jason Martin as head of physical preparation, Josh Crouse as his assistant, Dr. Craig Slaunwhite as director of health and performance integration, and Dr. Jordan Shallow as a human performance consultant.

Once Domi receives medical clearance to resume hockey activities, that team will be tasked with designing a careful, phased return-to-play program. The organization reportedly understands that the player's health, not the team's competitive needs, must dictate the timeline.

From a roster standpoint, Toronto has some breathing room. The club added enough forward depth over the summer to absorb Domi's absence from a third or fourth-line role without major disruption.

The next step is training camp, where the Leafs hope to get a clearer picture of when, or whether, Domi can return to the ice this season.