Mats Sundin's incredible gesture to a young Max Domi says everything you need to know about him

Mats Sundin was one of the best players in the world for many years. For most of his career, he had protection from one of the most renowned fighters in NHL history, in the form of Tie Domi.

Thanks to Domi’s constant protection on the ice, the toughest guys usually kept a distance from Sundin, fearing what Domi would do to them in revenge.

Tie Domi and Mats Sundin weren’t just teammates; they became friends for life. Today, Tie Domi’s son, Max Domi, plays in the NHL for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Max and Mats also became great friends, and when the Toronto Maple Leafs were in Stockholm for the NHL Global Series 2023, what Max looked forward to the most was seeing Mats again.

”I’m seeing him this weekend. I can’t wait. It’s been a while since I saw him, Josephine, and the kids,” Domi said.

The awesome reason Tie Domi knocked out his own front teeth on purpose, against his bike’s handlebars

Max Domi claimed he has a lot to thank Mats for and that he’s the player he is today because of him.

”It’s someone I grew up with, who I’ve idolized all my life. I’ve learned a lot from him, both on and off the ice. He means a lot to me and my family,” Domi said.

TORONTO, CANADA – OCTOBER 16: Max Domi #11 of the Toronto Maple Leafs waits for a faceoff against the Chicago Blackhawks during the second period in an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on October 16, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blackhawks defeated the Maple Leafs 4-1. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)

Tie Domi is the player with the most penalty minutes in Toronto’s history, and on the NHL’s all-time chart, he ranks third. He ranks 1st for most major penalty minutes for fighting.

”Hey, listen, my dad was a pretty good player too … But I think that their relationship off the ice speaks volumes about their chemistry on the ice. My dad always had Mats’ back, and vice versa. They’re still close friends, and it’s great to see.”

Max Domi has said in earlier interviews that he, for a long time, thought it was normal to have a dad who was best friends with one of the NHL’s biggest stars.

There are so many stories about Tie and Mats’ friendship. Max Domi remembers how Mats always was there for him and his family when he was young.

”There’s so many stories. He came to many of my games when I was a kid. To look over the shoulder and see Mats Sundin in the stands with my dad when I was 8-9 years old. It’s something I’ll never forget.”

Thank you for subscribing!

Something went wrong. Please try again later.