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Craig Berube Reveals Reason for Scratching $15 Million Maple Leafs Forward

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Nov 29, 2025 9:29 AM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs suffered another late collapse Friday night against the Washington Capitals, and one of their high-priced forwards could do nothing to help his team.

Forward Max Domi, in the second year of a four-year, $15 million deal signed in 2024, was a healthy scratch for the first time this season.

The 28-year-old has had a rather slow start to the campaign, producing just six points in 23 games and entering Friday's matchup with a team-worst minus-13 rating, the only Maple Leafs player in negative double digits.

After the 4–2 loss to the Capitals, head coach Craig Berube addressed his decision to leave Domi out of the lineup.

️| Craig Berube | Post Game vs. Washington Capitals | Nov 28 pic.twitter.com/RYsmVKEfZm
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) November 29, 2025

“I have to look at the lineup and what is best for tonight; that's part of it,” Berube said. “I talked to him about getting a reset. We’ll see about tomorrow, and if we get him back in.”

Toronto took an early 1-0 lead and doubled their advantage early in the second period, but then proceeded to collapse by giving up four unanswered goals.

The Leafs' road record dropped to 2–7–0, and their streak of failing to win games in regulation extended to nine. Toronto last won within 60 minutes back on Nov. 5.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Domi (11) celebrates after scoring a goal.Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Berube noted mistakes in the defensive zone during the third period as a major factor in the loss, but offered a blatant reason Toronto didn't earn a win.

“We had three breakaways. And we got to finish. We didn’t finish,” Berube said. “If we finish better tonight, we win this game.”

Toronto now sits seventh in the Atlantic Division with a 10–11–3 record. The Maple Leafs continue their road trip Saturday in Pittsburgh, with puck drop against the Penguins set for 7 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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