Aug 7, 11:02 am: The Coyotes have officially announced the deal, bringing Dumba to the desert on a one-year pact.
Aug 6, 12:33 pm: PHNX Sports’ Craig Morgan later reported the actual cap hit of Dumba’s deal will be $3.9MM.
Aug 6, 12:09 pm: The Arizona Coyotes are closing in on a one-year, $4MM contract with UFA defenseman Matt Dumba, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.
Dumba, 29, once looked to be on track to become a bonafide top-pairing defender after notching 50 points in 82 games with the Minnesota Wild at just 23 years old in 2017-18. After tearing his pectoral muscle 32 games into the 2018-19 campaign, though, Dumba’s production and all-around play have dipped significantly. It’s led to Dumba’s name appearing in trade rumors throughout the past few seasons, but the Wild never did move him, opting to let him walk as a free agent instead.
Things came to a head in 2022-23, which was arguably Dumba’s worst season of his NHL career to date. His four goals, 14 points, and -8 rating were all career lows for a full season, despite still receiving significant minutes at 21:17 per game. He posted a sub-zero relative Corsi for at even strength for the second straight campaign, suggesting his effectiveness in possession has waned as well. He’s posted solid results when utilized on the penalty kill, however. His past high-end production does suggest he has the raw skill to have somewhat of a return to form with a fresh start, too.
That’s what the Coyotes are banking on here, as PHNX Sports’ Craig Morgan reports they’ve been pursuing Dumba since free agency opened on July 1. With all other options exhausted, Dumba likely agreed to the one-year pact in hopes of rebuilding his value to earn a longer-term commitment next summer.
He also provides a type of player the Coyotes don’t have – a veteran defenseman with experience playing top-four minutes. Arizona has a forward corps that’s bordering on competitiveness now, but their defense is undoubtedly their biggest weakness as they attempt to turn the corner in their years-long rebuild. 23-year-old J.J. Moser, who was drafted 60th overall just two years ago, is the only defender on their team to average over 20 minutes per game last season. Moser could very well end up as Dumba’s defense partner to open the season as the Coyotes’ top pairing.
After terminating Jean-Sebastien Dea’s contract, the Coyotes will again be at 49 out of the maximum 50 contracts after signing Dumba. The 50th spot is reserved for young forward Jan Jenik, who remains a restricted free agent and does not have a contract for next season.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
Ok so who trades for him at the deadline ;)
Leafs give a 1st and 3rd (to 3rd team) for 50% double retained
Surprised the Hawks didn’t give him $8mill for 1 yr
Shi**y for young Soderstrom who probably 7th man..
He always wanted to play in an NCAA rink
You know Dumba was hoping for more. I thought he would land a two year deal at four million per year. Dumba has lost some speed and offensive upside in recent seasons, likely due to a couple significant injuries. He is still a good player but not nearly the guy of a few years ago.
Dumba bought a home in the Phoenix area about a year ago, I’m sure that had a part. He will be a really good mentor to the immense amount of young talent on the Coyotes. Good signing!
When you fall on hard times you sign with the Coyotes.. I’m sure Arizona paid him more than others to help get to the salary cap floor. He’ll be traded at the deadline for sure.
No more. The Coyotes team is solid. May make the playoffs soon.
I know it’s quite popular to see the Yotes as an utter joke right now. But I’m beginning to wonder how far they will go this season. I don’t see them as genuine playoff contenders but their division isn’t that competitive so I can see them play relevant games for quite some time. Will they be buyers at the deadline? No. But they will definitely finally take a big step.
As a long time fan. I would take .500 as a big win for the season.
Arizona is building something really special, they’ll be cup contenders within five years.
I predict by the end of the year, an arena will be under construction and they’ll finally have a long-term home in the Phoenix area.