Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Domi recently underwent offseason back surgery, and unfortunately, there were some serious complications after the procedure. There’s a very good chance Domi is going to miss an extended period of time next season, and if that’s the case, it could save Nick Robertson and Matias Maccelli’s future with the franchise.

Domi underwent back surgery and reports surfaced he had trouble walking post-surgery and was less mobile than he was supposed to be. A scary situation from the Maple Leafs veteran, and while everyone is concerned about his health, general manager John Chayka has to find a way to replace Domi’s minutes within the Leafs’ lineup. With Robertson and Maccelli both pending restricted free agents, before the Domi news, there was a good chance one of them was getting dealt for either a bigger, stronger, more physical bottom-six forward, or a mobile defenceman. Now, Chayka may want to hold his horses and see exactly how long Domi is going to be out before making a move.

Let’s start with Robertson. He’s had an up-and-down tenure as a Maple Leaf and despite multiple trade requests, still finds himself in Toronto. Robertson’s likely getting tired of having to prove himself, as multiple coaching changes haven’t helped the consistency of his playing time, and he’s had troubles carving out a permanent role on the club. Craig Berube pushed Robertson to be stronger within battles, and more of a pesky winger, and frankly, he did evolve a few elements of his game and display the fact he’s as coachable as they come. Despite the changes, Robertson’s inconsistent minutes throughout last season were frustrating for the player, to the point of Robertson admitting after the season he doesn’t know if he’ll be back.

Maccelli, on the other hand, was just as inconsistent as Robertson. The shifty winger displayed his facilitation abilities throughout the season, nightly pulling off a pass that he had no business getting through, however, the rest of Maccelli’s game, and work ethic were questioned throughout his first season in Toronto. A late push with more playing time propelled Maccelli to 14 goals and 39 points in 71 games, but that doesn’t mean he’s a shoo-in to remain a Leaf. Even with Domi’s status in the air, if the Maple Leafs were only keeping one of Robertson or Maccelli, it’s very likely going to be the shoot-first Robertson.

Think about it this way. Easton Cowan is a lock for the Maple Leafs top six next season. Matthew Knies, John Tavares, Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and likely Gavin McKenna are all in. That also doesn’t include a few free-agent forwards Chayka’s going to have interest in, including Alex Tuch, Patrick Kane, Bobby McMann, and Michael Bunting. Needless to say the top two lines are covered, and if we focus on the third line, a center is on the way, likely via trade, and if we consider Maccelli, his game isn’t suited for a bottom six. Not one bit. Robertson on the other hand, has proven he can play a physical game with a solid focus on all 200-feet of the ice, and it’s only a matter of time before he can play this two-way style for an entire 82-game season. Robertson has much more potential to be a complete player, Maccelli’s likely remaining very one dimensional.

Even with Domi unavailable, the Maple Leafs have a few too many forwards who are similar stature, and who bring the same qualities to the ice. Chayka would be wise to hold onto Robertson, at least for one more season, and see what kind of production a new head coach can get out of him, as he’ll be motivated as ever in a season leading into unrestricted free agency.

Maccelli’s game is going to be replaced by McKenna, and considering the type of potential the likely number one overall pick is bringing to the table, there’s no need for Maccelli to stick around. Chayka doesn’t have much for trade assets and would be wise to package Maccelli in a trade to try and reshape either the third line or find a two-way defenceman. Don’t be shocked to see Maccelli and one of the Leafs’ goaltenders moved together in an offseason deal.

As for Domi, we all wish nothing but the best for his recovery. With ‘Uncle’ Mats, and his long-lasting relationship with Chayka, a trade was never in question this summer, but hopefully his back can heal properly, and he’ll be back as an option for the Maple Leafs, sooner than later.