Long time Minnesota Wild blue liner Matt Dumba remains unsigned nearly two weeks into the free agent window. Once considered one of the top offensively talented defenseman in the NHL, Dumba’s game never returned to full form after sustaining a shoulder injury in the 2018 season. Despite not posting the same numbers he did early in his career, what Dumba brings to a locker room is almost immeasurable. He brings unrivaled energy and tenacity every time he steps on the ice. Dumba also does an immense amount of work for the hockey community, including being on the Founders of the Hockey Diversity Alliance. As arguably the top UFA defenseman left on the market, a number of NHL teams have probably inquired about his services. What potential destinations are in the mix?
Despite finishing near the bottom of the NHL last season, the Coyotes out performed expectations in their first year at Mullett Arena. They played extremely hard and all indications point to management not wanting to take a step back. Since NHL free agency opened up, the Coyotes have been a rumored frontrunner for signing Dumba. It is no secret that the Coyotes need blue line help. Dumba would not only provide that, but he would bring instant credibility to the locker room and be a welcome veteran presence in a youthful lineup. However, anyone that has watched Dumba play knows he wants to win. Badly. Would he be willing to forgo Stanley Cup aspirations to help with an extended rebuild? Maybe for the right price.
If Dumba is focused on chasing a cup, Pittsburgh is likely his best bet. Dumba could eat minutes in any situation and provide stability for the Penguins back end. The biggest issue in a potential deal would be cap space. Pittsburgh would have to make at least one deal to move out salary to sign Dumba. With the flat cap, it will be hard for Pittsburgh to find a partner to shed salary with. The Penguins are also rumored to be in on acquiring Norris Trophy Winner Erik Karlsson. Karlsson had a season for the ages last year and it is likely that the Penguins would rather add him than Dumba. If the Penguins start making moves that don’t include San Jose, don’t be surprised if Dumba signs shortly after.
Ironically enough, if Karlsson does get moved this offseason the Sharks may look to Dumba to fill his spot. If a Karlsson move is made they would likely have the cap space to do so. General Manager Mike Grier wants the team to take greater strides in becoming competitive during the rebuild. Dumba could certainly provide that. Long term contracts have been few and far between this offseason, so if Dumba wants to take a short pit stop on a rebuilding team this would be the summer to do it.
The fans love him. The coaching staff loves him. The players love him. GM Bill Guerin loves him. Most of all Matt Dumba loves Minnesota. Is there any chance the Wild could retain Dumba? No, not realistically anyway. Minnesota is just too cap crunched from the Zach Parise and Ryan Suter buyouts. Everyone would love to have him back, but much like Kevin Fiala, Dumba is likely to become another cap causality in the Wild lineup. Everyone, especially longtime defensive partner Jonas Brodin, will certainly miss him.
As one of the top defenseman left on the open market, Dumba most likely has plenty of suitors. Arizona, Pittsburgh, and San Jose have all emerged as the top potential destinations. Minnesota would love to him back, but it just isn’t feasible. Currently, the waiting game continues as Dumba may wait for teams to clear cap space before making a final decision.
Stay tuned for more NHL content, including trades, signings, and various updates.
Featured image courtesy Matt Dumba via Twitter
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