Max Domi's Recovery Uncertain for Toronto Maple Leafs After Back Surgery

Max Domi #11 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Ottawa Senators on April 15, 2026 at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by André Ringuette/NHLI via Getty Images)

Veteran forward Max Domi is becoming more of an uncertainty for the Toronto Maple Leafs, with reports of complications stemming from his offseason back surgery. That has taken some of the focus off the offseason roster planning and put it into the players’ health and recovery. Domi battled injuries for much of the 2025-26 NHL season but was able to keep Toronto competitive all season long. But latest reports suggest the routine procedure that was expected may have become something of a far greater concern.

Max Domi and Toronto Maple Leafs injury NHL situation explained

The latest news is that Max Domi’s timetable for recovery following offseason back surgery is still unknown. Domi had surgery recently to fix a problem that bothered him throughout the season, reports say. There are fresh details that suggest the operation may not have gone exactly to plan, and concerns over his short-term recovery and long-term availability. As such, there is no timeline for the Toronto Maple Leafs forward to return to full hockey activities. But reports of unforeseen complications during the recovery period are raising questions. Official details are scarce, but reports have suggested that Domi suffered significant struggles in the days after surgery. There has also been talk around the NHL of not having a standard “successful surgery” statement. For Toronto, it’s about Domi’s health and not any hockey-related decisions right now. The organization is expected to be careful as medical evaluations continue through the offseason. That could have implications for Toronto’s plans for the 2026-27 NHL season. Domi had a career year in 2025-26, playing 80 games and scoring 12 goals and 24 assists, even while reportedly playing through physical discomfort, and his versatility and experience made him an important piece for the team. If the recovery takes longer than expected, the Toronto Maple Leafs might look to improve their depth options in the off-season, but the main thing is to make sure Max Domi is fully healthy and back to full health before he steps back on the NHL ice.