major finally received his first shot in the big leagues during the 1996–97 nhl season when he was brought up from adirondack for two games starting on november 2, 1996. in his very first game, halfway though the second period, major fought veteran instigator tie domi of the toronto maple leafs. major held his own against domi but was rewarded with a bloody nose and a five-minute major. major played the following night and failed to impress the detroit staff, which resulted in him being sent back down to the minors. finishing the season with adirondack, and leading the team in pims with 213, major was let go by detroit.