NHL logo. Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

31-Year-Old NHL Superstar Is Struggling To Walk After Back Surgery Goes 'Terribly Wrong'

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Orlando Silva | Last updated Jun 1, 2026 3:52 PM ET

Max Domi, a Toronto Maple Leafs star, is dealing with a terrible moment after a procedure worsened his already complex situation.

Domi, a forward for the Maple Leafs, has played 13 seasons in the NHL. As tough as he was playing through injury during the 2025-26 season, he required surgery.

He played in all but two games this season, recording 12 goals and 36 points, alongside 95 penalty minutes for a Maple Leafs team that didn’t live up to the expectations. The struggles didn’t happen on the ice, but in the operating room, too.

Max Domi Struggles To Walk After Wrong Surgery

Max Domi. Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

The Toronto Sun reported that Domi refused to go with the doctor his team had picked to do the operation and instead picked one more to his liking. That proved to be a terrible decision.

Last Monday, the Leafs announced that Domi would be “out indefinitely” and “will continue working with the club’s medical staff and will be re-evaluated at the start of training camp.”

The Sun reported that “something went terribly wrong with the surgery.” Additionally, the player “could not walk in the days following the surgery, which created significant alarm.”

Domi has two years left on his contract, which pays him $3.75 million per year. His status for the 2026-27 season remains unknown.

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

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