Max Domi could make his NHL debut by the end of the 2014-15 season, Arizona Coyotes general manager Don Maloney said on a local radio station Tuesday.
“Depending on how his season progresses — if London will be a playoff team in the OHL — if they were to lose out relatively early, there’s a potential even to bring him to Arizona for at least a cup of coffee at the end of the year,” Maloney told Arizona Sports 98.7 FM.
Domi, 19, is considered to be the Coyotes’ top prospect. The 12th overall pick of the 2013 NHL Draft has 20 goals and 66 points in 35 games with the OHL’s London Knights. He also was a key contributor of Canada’s goal-medal winning team at the World Junior Championships and was named the top forward in the tournament.
“Max has had a terrific season,” Maloney said. “He’s done everything we would have expected and more.
“We’re really excited about Max. He has front line ability.”
Domi spent training camp with the Coyotes but didn’t make the final roster because the front office didn’t want to rush his development.
“It’s a really good example, guys, of being patient with your younger players,” Maloney explained. “Letting them grow at their own pace. We’re obviously in the background. Steve Sullivan is our development coach. He’s helped Max along the way. So we’re really excited about where his game is at.”
