Max Domi is entering the 2025-26 NHL season with significant expectations as the Toronto Maple Leafs look to reshape their offense following Mitch Marner’s departure. Jay Rosehill, a former enforcer who once donned the Leafs jersey, has publicly urged Domi to model his play after Brad Marchand, renowned for his dual ability to score and agitate opponents.

Rosehill’s challenge goes beyond improving stats; he is calling for a complete shift in Domi’s mindset and playing style, encouraging the $15 million forward to incorporate toughness and strategic provocation into his game.

Jay Rosehill Explains How Brad Marchand’s Style Could Elevate Max Domi

Rosehill painted a vivid picture of what Marchand brings to the ice, highlighting the unique blend of skill and pest-like behavior that defines the winger’s impact.

“Marchand is at the top of Mount Rushmore when it comes to a skilled player who can affect a game with a big goal or affect a game with some extracurricular stuff. Or piss everyone off, or get people off their game, or bang and crash, or do some dirty arts behind the scenes,”

—Jay Rosehill, Former Enforcer

This combination of clutch scoring and psychological warfare has transformed Marchand into one of hockey’s most effective agitators. Rosehill envisions Domi evolving into a player who commands attention through similar tactics.

“That’s the kind of thing I want Max Domi to take a big step this year in being that guy,”

Rosehill said, emphasizing the kind of leadership and edge he expects from the center.

Highlighting the importance of attitude in hockey success, Rosehill noted that raw talent is not enough.

“I want him to have swagger. I want him to be cocky. I want him to piss people off. I want him to play like a rat sometimes. I want him to bang and crash,”

he added, defining the aggressive and fearless traits he believes Domi must adopt.

This approach fits the Maple Leafs’ offseason direction as they welcome physical forwards like Dakota Joshua, Michael Pezzetta, and Matias Maccelli, who reinforce the team’s intent to cultivate a more hard-nosed style of play.

Rosehill concluded with confidence in Domi’s ability to rise to this challenge.

“I just want his game to elevate because I know he’s capable of it,”

he stated, underscoring his faith in Domi’s potential.

Support From Media Analysts Highlights Domi’s Potential Role on the Top Line

Jay Rosehill is not alone in his optimism. TSN analyst Mark Masters recently suggested during OverDrive that Domi should be paired with Auston Matthews on Toronto’s top offensive line. This opportunity, often reserved for elite scorers, could be the platform for Domi to assert himself as a dominant force.

Despite a disappointing statistical season, Domi has shown glimpses of chemistry alongside Matthews when given ice time, hinting at untapped potential that internal growth could unlock. Masters believes that assuming a top-line role may boost Domi’s confidence and attain the aggressive edge Rosehill envisions.

Brad Marchand’s Enduring Impact and Controversial Reputation

Brad Marchand remains one of hockey’s most divisive figures because of his intense playing style that combines exceptional skill with relentless agitation. In Toronto, his notoriety is especially pronounced, where local sports analysts recently placed him among the city’s most hated sports personalities, second only to LeBron James.

Through years of physically and mentally challenging opponents, Marchand has mastered the art of disrupting teams. This reputation has made him a constant thorn in the Maple Leafs’ side and beyond.

Even at 37 years old, Marchand continues to demonstrate that his blend of grit and talent works at the highest level. His contributions have been instrumental in leading the Florida Panthers to consecutive Stanley Cup victories, showing that this multifaceted style remains highly effective in the modern NHL.

The combination of scoring ability and hard-nosed, sometimes borderline tactics, ensures Marchand creates matchup difficulties that pure finesse players cannot match.

The Toronto Maple Leafs’ Search for Identity After Marner’s Exit

With the departure of Mitch Marner, the Maple Leafs face a critical moment where goals alone will not resolve their offensive issues. Instead, the team needs players who bring energy, identity, and the readiness to do whatever it takes to win.

Max Domi’s possible adoption of Brad Marchand’s playing style could mark a turning point for Toronto, providing the missing spark to complement their offensive structure. If Domi integrates the competitive fire and tactical aggression that define Marchand’s game, the Maple Leafs may finally find the balance to thrive in the upcoming season.