Domi expects to have fun in reunion with Drouin on Canadiens

VOORHEES, N.J. -- Max Domi last played with Jonathan Drouin for Canada at the 2012 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup.

It was an experience that ended with a gold medal, and Domi and Drouin have the chance to rekindle that relationship this season with the Montreal Canadiens.
Domi was traded to the Canadiens by the Arizona Coyotes on June 15 for forward Alex Galchenyuk, and it's possible he could play left wing on Drouin's line this season.
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"[Drouin] is a good buddy," Domi said following his first game at the Checking For Charity tournament at Flyers Skate Zone on Friday. "When you play with someone like that, you keep in contact and you're always cheering them on. Super skilled, great guy off the ice, great teammate. It's going to be fun whether we play together or not."
Drouin had 46 points (13 goals, 33 assists) in 77 games for the Canadiens last season, his first in Montreal after being acquired in a trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning exactly one year prior to the Domi trade and first playing center in the NHL.
Domi, who was selected by the Coyotes with the No. 12 pick of the 2013 NHL Draft, said he's moved on from any lingering emotion from the trade and is looking forward to the opportunity he has now with the Canadiens.
"It's something I'm excited about," he said. "Not upset about it, that's for sure. I'll miss my teammates and miss the [Coyotes] organization and living there and being part of that group, growing with all those young guys. I wish those guys the best, they're going to be a heck of a hockey team for a long time. I'm all about Montreal right now."

Domi said he treasures the opportunity to wear a Canadiens jersey.
"You get a chance to put on a Montreal Canadiens sweater, it's top-notch and one of a kind," he said. "You enjoy every second of it. It's a huge honor to represent that logo and the people that played before you. It's a special opportunity. I'm really excited."
The 23-year-old also is excited to show he can get back to being an impact player. He was third among NHL rookies with 52 points (18 goals, 34 assists) in 2015-16 but didn't reach that mark in the past two seasons. He had 45 points (nine goals, 36 assists) in 2017-18 and scored nine goals each of the past two seasons.
Domi said his play simply wasn't good enough, but he's not dwelling on the past.
Those two seasons were in Arizona. His mind now is fully set on Montreal.
"I had a great time in Arizona. I enjoyed every second of it, made lots of friendships with teammates, and there will be memories … for the rest of my life," he said. "Very thankful for that. At the same time, new chapter in Montreal, arguably the most historic franchise in all sports, not just hockey. Pretty amazing, and very humbled to be part of it, really excited to get started."