Max Domi's recovery from back surgery has taken a serious turn for the Maple Leafs.
Domi played through pain for most of last season, suiting up in 80 games while dealing with a lingering back injury.
The plan was straightforward. Have surgery in the spring, recover over the summer, and return healthy for camp.
Reports throughout the summer indicated the procedure led to serious complications that left Domi temporarily unable to walk in the days after the operation.
The specific nature of those complications hasn't been made public, but the severity was enough to raise real concern about his availability.
Domi reportedly chose the surgeon himself, a detail that means the organization isn't responsible for that particular decision.
The encouraging part is that he's since regained his ability to walk without difficulty.
Where things actually stand heading into camp
Reporter Nick Alberga said Domi is expected to miss camp entirely along with the start of the regular season.
He specifically noted there's still lots of uncertainty surrounding the situation as of now.
Toronto plans to evaluate him once camp opens, with no firm return timeline set at this point.
The organization has reportedly made clear that his long-term health takes priority over any competitive timeline.
Domi posted 12 goals and 24 assists for 36 points in 80 games last season, playing through the injury the whole way.
He carries a $3,750,000 cap hit, and Toronto added enough forward depth this summer to absorb a bottom-six absence without major disruption.
Some fans have openly wondered whether stepping away from the game entirely might be the right call given everything he's been through.
That's a deeply personal decision that goes well beyond hockey, and not one anyone outside Domi's own circle can really answer for him.
My take: Toronto saying health comes first here is the correct stance, whatever timeline that ends up requiring.
Camp will offer the first real read on where things stand. Whether Domi actually returns this season remains genuinely unclear right now.
Should the Maple Leafs simply hold Max Domi out until he's fully healthy, no matter how long that takes?
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