NHL free agency: 5 notable free agents who are still available

By Marci Rubin | Jul 3, 2023

Apr 25, 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 five of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

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Feb 9, 2023; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba (24) skates with the puck against the Vegas Golden Knights in the third period at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports /

Notable NHL free agents still available No. 3: Matt Dumba

Defenseman Matt Dumba has yet to sign with a new team, but the summer is young. He’s coming off of a five-year, $30 million contract with the Minnesota Wild. Dumba will be 29 next season.

The Wild drafted Matt Dumba in 2012, and he’d been with them ever since, as a huge piece of their core. Now, Dumba is a free agent in search of a new home. As much as the Wild would like to keep him, they just financially aren’t able to.

Dumba is known for his physicality and mobility. In 2022-23, Dumba had less offensive production and took way more penalty minutes than he usually does. Despite this, he remains a solid force in the defensive zone. During the regular season, he made 104 hits and blocked 116 shots. He was serviceable in the playoffs, continuing to contribute on defense.

Although he had a down year, Dumba should still get a quality deal. He could command a long-term contract, although we’ve already seen some big free agents take shorter deals, likely due to the anticipated salary cap increase. This heavy hitter goes all out with his body and heart. He’ll be a good pick-up for a team looking to add to their blue line.

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