Social Media Overreaction: Could Domi Return To Chicago?

As we get set for a free agency frenzy on the first of July, the most popular names for fans to pound the table for are players that have formerly skated for their team. The Blackhawks are set to have one of the most hectic free agency seasons in recent memory, with more than a third of the forwards on the roster set to hit the open market. As they look to fill the roster via free agency, one name has come up more than just about any other player: Max Domi.

Domi, who was drafted 12th overall in 2013 to the Phoenix Coyotes, came to Chicago on a one-year, $3 million contract in July 2022. He played in 60 games for the Blackhawks, scoring 18 goals and 31 assists for a total of 49 points. On March 2nd, Chicago, who had a fire sale of sorts at the deadline, shipped Domi off along with Dylan Wells to Dallas in exchange for Anton Khudobin and a second-round pick in 2025.

On Wednesday, when Andreas Athanasiou was re-signed to a two-year, $8.5 million deal, Domi took to Instagram, posting a ‘congrats’ on his story. Sure, the statement probably means nothing. The two played together last season, and likely became locker room pals in their time together.

But this is June, when signings like Athanasiou are headlines of the week for Blackhawks fans. Yes, it’s just a social media post, and overreacting is silly. But a little wishful thinking never hurt anyone. Plus, if there is some substance to the post after all, we can’t say Domi didn’t drop hints.

Domi represents a veteran presence on any team, which is especially important on a Blackhawks roster that has remarkably little NHL experience. His time in Chicago is remembered fondly, as his Blackhawks teammates loved him, and Coach Luke Richardson has previously said he’d like for him to return. Plus, who wouldn’t want to play alongside a skater like Connor Bedard? The duo could play on the same first line for the Blackhawks next year, turning the team’s offensive attack from feeble to formidable.

If GM Kyle Davidson and the Blackhawks were looking to sign a player like Domi, this summer would be the time to do so. After Athanasiou’s signing, Chicago has almost $16 million in contracts to sign to even reach the cap floor. Provided Domi wants to come back to town on a shorter deal, one or two years, the Hawks can pretty much throw money at him. He fits their needs perfectly, as the forward lines are completely jumbled at the moment.

The possibility of Max Domi returning to the Blackhawks this summer is an enticing one for fans and players alike, and as such, it sparks overreactions from everyone involved, especially in the “dog days” of the offseason. Even if a return is just wishful thinking, a bit of social media overreaction never hurts.