Max Domi in the transaction market?

Will Max Domi be back with the Montreal Canadiens next season? While this possibility seems unlikely to many, the 25-year-old forward has not asked to leave the fold.

This is what Sportsnet journalist Elliotte Friedman said. Saturday night. According to the popular NHL columnist, a meeting took place between general manager Marc Bergevin and the player’s new representative, Darren Ferris.

“He didn’t want to give too much detail about the meeting, but something he [m’]said, is that Max Domi did not ask the Canadian to exchange it, “commented Friedman on the airwaves of the sports channel.

“I don’t know where this will all lead, but Domi didn’t demand a transaction.”

When Bergevin acquired the fiery No. 13 from the Arizona Coyotes in the summer of 2018, he exploded into the frenetic Montreal market with a 28-goal and 72-point harvest with 80 penalty minutes.

He has disappointed this season, however, with 44 points, including 17 goals, in 71 games and seemed frustrated with his use when he went from a center to a winger role. In the playoffs, he had three assists in the first game against the Philadelphia Flyers without blackening the scoresheet thereafter.

Nevertheless, last week Ferris told TVA Sports reporter Louis Jean that his client “loves Montreal and he sincerely wishes to stay there”.

“It’s the team that will decide in which direction they want to go,” he added. The last season has been difficult for Max, but there is no animosity towards the team. ”

“He is available”

From a management perspective, Bergevin has already acknowledged that Domi could have given more. And since the latter will be entitled to arbitration this fall, when his agreement expires, a decision could be made shortly.

Last week, during a segment on WGR Sports radio in Buffalo, Friedman hinted that Domi “is available” and that “there is a market for him”, mainly because Bergevin will not want to give him permission. $ 5 million per season, if a referee grants him such a salary.

“I believe they will explore the market for him,” he predicted. I think he was frustrated with his role, especially in the playoffs. ”

“You can see where this team is heading in center position and they have given the reins to Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Nick Suzuki.”

The Sabers interested?

As quoted by the daily The Gazette, former CH defender Craig Rivet, who co-hosted the show, believes the Sabers should make his acquisition.

“The Sabers are in desperate need of a second center,” said the Buffalo player from 2008-11. Giving him a six-year contract at $ 5.5 or $ 5.75 million would make sense.

“He’s a guy who can give you between 50 and 65 points per season to play on a line behind Jack Eichel.”

Domi pocketed $ 3.15 million in the most recent campaign, the last year of his two-year pact and the $ 6.3 million Bergevin offered him in June 2018.