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NHL free agency: Ranking the best defenseman options

By Marci Rubin

Apr 2, 2021; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Dmitry Orlov (9) hits New Jersey Devils defenseman Damon Severson (28) during the first period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2021; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Dmitry Orlov (9) hits New Jersey Devils defenseman Damon Severson (28) during the first period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 19, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba (24) in action during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Minnesota Wild in game two of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 19, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba (24) in action during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Minnesota Wild in game two of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Top NHL UFA defenseman options: 2. Matt Dumba

Age: 28
2022-23 team: Minnesota Wild

Matt Dumba is a physical defenseman and an elite skater. He was a seventh overall pick by the Minnesota Wild. Dumba signed a five-year $30 million contract with the Wild in 2018. He has played nine seasons in the NHL, all with the Wild. Dumba becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer.

While Dumba is an aggressive defenseman who is known for physicality, he also typically contributes significantly to the offense, as well. This is an unusual combination for a defenseman, one that serves his team well. Dumba gets a lot of ice time and is usually out there for big minutes. He doesn’t hesitate to make a hit, and he’s also willing to take them, too.

Dumba didn’t have a great season in 2022-23, but he did contribute to his team. His physicality and mobility continued to be advantages for the Wild. Dumba blocked 116 shots and made 104 hits. On the downside, Dumba had just 14 points, half of what he produced the previous season. He only scored 4 goals with a 4% shooting percentage. Dumba struggled to move the puck. He had a +/- of -8, the worst of his career. Dumba took nearly twice as many penalty minutes than he did in 2021-22 with 81 minutes in the regular season. Dumba’s quieter year shouldn’t negatively impact his next contract too much. He’s still expected to be a valuable pick-up.

Although Dumba means a lot to Minnesota, he’s unlikely to be re-signed. The Wild are dealing with the aforementioned financial issues stemming from buyouts. “My heart is definitely here in Minny,” Dumba said during his exit interview. “I want to win. I want to win here.” Despite his desire to continue his career with the Wild, the business side of things aren’t in his favor. He would probably need to take a significantly smaller deal than he’s capable of getting elsewhere. It’s likely Dumba will be in a different NHL uniform come next fall.

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