When Max Domi put up career highs in goals, assists and points last season, many were clamouring for Montreal Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin to sign him to an extension right away, before he becomes a restricted free agent with arbitration rights at the end of 2019-20. Bergevin didn't, and it appears that was the right move. In fact, according to TVA Sports journalist Louis Jean, there have been no negotiations whatsoever between the Habs and Domi's camp.
After putting up 76 points in 2018-19, Domi has been much more tame this year, with six goals and 20 points in 33 games. It's not awful, but it's nowhere near the pace he was on last year, his first since coming to Montreal from Arizona in a one-for-one trade for Alex Galchenyuk.
Jean insists the Habs still want to keep Domi, but waiting to negotiate was a smart move as it will likely save a lot of money in the long run.
“They didn't talk at all, not once, about a contract or an extension of a contract. And I don't think it has changed," said Jean on the TVA show 'Les Partants.' "I think the Canadiens are watching what's going on with Max Domi. Same thing with his agent. I really feel like it will be okay at the end of the season."
"Is the real Max Domi last year's player or is he this year's, sometimes good, sometimes absent, sometimes off?"
"What will be interesting is, does he want five or six years?," said Jean. "Are the Canadiens ready to give him five or six years? Or are they not convinced enough? They want to keep him, that's for sure. But they really want to know (who he is)."
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