Defenseman Matt Dumba has agreed to a one-year, $3.9 million contract with the Arizona Coyotes, according to multiple reports. This move sees him joining a rebuilding team on a deal that could potentially lead to greater riches in the future. After playing 10 seasons with the Minnesota Wild, Dumba now embarks on a new chapter of his career in Arizona.
During his time with the Wild, Dumba established himself as one of the NHL’s better two-way defensemen. He even served as an alternate captain for the team in the past two seasons. However, as the Wild focused more on their defensive play, Dumba transitioned into a shutdown role. Despite this change, he still managed to showcase his offensive capabilities, scoring at least 20 points in seven seasons and contributing a total of 50 points in the 2017-18 season.
Salary Cap Issues and Trade Rumors
Dumba’s previous contract with the Wild, a five-year deal with an average-annual value of $6 million, expired in June. Due to Minnesota’s ongoing salary-cap issues, his name frequently appeared in trade rumors. Teams showed interest in Dumba’s abilities as a steady, stay-at-home defenseman who could also contribute offensively. However, the financial implications of his contract hindered any potential deals from materializing.
By signing a one-year contract with the Coyotes, Dumba now has the opportunity to play on a “prove it” deal. This arrangement allows him to prove his worth and potentially secure a more lucrative contract in the next free agency period, which begins in July. In the meantime, Dumba’s presence on the blue line will undoubtedly bolster the Coyotes’ defense and provide experienced leadership to their young team.
A Key Addition to the Coyotes’ Defense
Dumba is expected to fill a top-four spot on the Coyotes’ blue line, alongside defensemen Sean Durzi, Alex Kerfoot, Nick Bjugstad, and former Wild player Jason Zucker. His defensive prowess and ability to contribute offensively will be instrumental in solidifying the team’s defensive capabilities. The Coyotes’ rebuilding project, now in its third year, will greatly benefit from Dumba’s presence and experience.
Throughout his career, Dumba has demonstrated consistency and reliability on the ice. Although his offensive output may have declined in recent years, his minute totals have remained steady. This makes him a valuable asset for the Coyotes, particularly in even-strength and short-handed situations. With four NHL contracts under his belt and a total career earnings of $40 million, Dumba brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team.
The Future is Bright for Matt Dumba in Arizona
As Sportsnet first reported, the signing of Matt Dumba to the Arizona Coyotes presents an exciting opportunity for both the player and the team. With his skill set, leadership qualities, and dedication to community involvement (as demonstrated by his receipt of the King Clancy Memorial Trophy in 2019-20), Dumba has the potential to make a significant impact. As he enters this new chapter of his career, all eyes will be on the talented defenseman as he strives to contribute to the Coyotes’ rebuilding efforts and secure a prosperous future for himself in the NHL.
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