'We're a couple of hockey nerds': Blackhawks' Domi living dream playing with childhood idol Kane
In the summer of 2017, Max Domi, Patrick Kane and 32 other well-known players gathered in New York City for the NHL media tour.
It was the first time Domi met Kane - one of his childhood idols - and the two immediately hit it off.
After attending the U.S. Open tennis tournament together in Queens, there was plenty of verbal volleying about hockey between the two during a ride back to their hotel.
"We're a couple of hockey nerds," Domi said after the Blackhawks practiced at Fifth Third Arena on Monday. "We have a lot in common and there was a lot to talk about."
Five years later, the two became teammates when Domi inked a one-year, $3 million deal with the Hawks. It didn't take long for an extremely tight friendship to grow - and not just with Kane, but also with captain Jonathan Toews.
"It's a dream come true, man. It really is," Domi said "It's a big part of my childhood. Him and Tazer were my guys. And Sidney Crosby. ...
"They were winning championships, they were the best players in the world and I think every kid looks at them and is like, 'Oh, I want to be like them one day.' ...
"Very, very grateful for the opportunity."
To no one's surprise, Domi watched a ton of hockey growing up in Toronto, Canada.
His tough-as-nails dad, Tie, played 1,020 games in the NHL for the Maple Leafs, Rangers and Jets, and holds the record for most fights at a whopping 333.
Max was selected by the Coyotes with the 12th overall pick in 2013 and played 222 games for them from 2015-18.
After stints with the Canadiens (2018-20), Blue Jackets (2021-22) and Hurricanes (2022), he opted to sign with the rebuilding Hawks.
After a strong 4-2-0 start, Domi, Kane, Toews and Co. went through a wretched 4-23-4 stretch that culminated with a 4-1 loss to Tampa Bay on Jan. 3.
Since then, the Hawks have looked like a completely different team, going 12-7-1. They've won four straight over the likes of Ottawa (27-25-4), Toronto (35-15-8), Vegas (34-18-5) and Dallas (30-16-12).
"It's fun in here right now," Kane told reporters after scoring twice in a 4-3 victory over the Stars on Wednesday. "You win a couple in overtime (and in) a shootout, comeback wins - it's a fun group right now."
But how long will it last?
The March 3 trade deadline is fast approaching, and interest in Domi (17 goals, 29 assists) has to be growing by the day. Kane (16G, 29A) could be dealt as well if the Hawks can work out a deal with whatever team he's willing to go to.
For Kane, this is getting to be an old - and sad - story. First he lost Artemi Panarin. Then Alex DeBrincat. And now, most likely, Domi.
Kane had tremendous chemistry with Panarin and DeBrincat, and over the past 10 days we are seeing what things could be like with Domi if this was anything but a rebuild. The two are playing some of their best hockey together, with Domi scoring 3 goals and dishing out 8 assists in the last five games, and Kane ripping home 7 goals.
Their last performance in Dallas was truly something special. Domi began the comeback from a 3-0 deficit by scoring on a feed from Kane, then returned the favor five minutes later with a perfect pass to Kane right in front of the net.
Domi scored the game-winner at 4:13 of the third period. He had Kane trailing on the play, but realized it was better to shoot and beat Jake Oettinger top shelf.
Whatever happens in the coming days, Domi is just grateful he was able to develop such a tight bond with one of the best American-born hockey players ever.
"This guy's been the face of this city for a long time," Domi said. "He's won three Stanley Cups and it really is remarkable what he's been able to do in this jersey.
"He's earned the right to make the decision to what he is gonna do for the latter half of his career. Whatever decision he makes, every guy in here supports him. ... Selfishly, we hope he stays - myself is probably at the top of that list because I love the guy. ...
"If he stays then we're gonna be the happiest people in the world, but if he goes somewhere then we'll wish him the best and definitely cherish our time with him."
Gust signs 2-year deal:
Forward David Gust inked a two-year contract Thursday that carries a $762,500 cap hit. Gust, 29, has 24 goals and 26 assists in 51 games with Rockford. The 5-foot-10, 175-pounder is an Orland Park native and scored 21 goals in 82 games (including playoffs) while helping the Chicago Wolves claim the Calder Cup trophy last season. He has yet to appear in an NHL game.
Minor deal:
The Hawks also acquired forward Hunter Drew from Anaheim in exchange for forward Josiah Slavin. The 24-year-old Drew has 30 goals and 38 assists in 170 career AHL games for the San Diego Gulls.