Matt Dumba Signing Rounds Out the Arizona Coyotes Blueline

The Arizona Coyotes needed some veteran leadership on the blueline, and they got just that by signing Matt Dumba to a one-year deal worth $3.9 million. Coyotes’ insider Craig Morgan confirmed that Dumba is headed to the desert.

Matt Dumba's actual AAV with the Coyotes is $3.9M for one year.

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— Craig Morgan (@CraigSMorgan) August 6, 2023

Matt Dumba Signed to a One-Year Deal by the Arizona Coyotes

It had been rumored for about a month that the Coyotes were seeking the services of defenseman Matt Dumba. He officially signed a contract today and will join Arizona’s young blueline. Dumba just turned 29 but has been in the NHL for 10 seasons, all with the Minnesota Wild. His career statistics show 598 games, 79 goals, and 157 assists to his credit. Last season he only tallied four goals and 10 assists in 79 games. For the young Coyotes’ defense, he will be the veteran, the mentor for the younger players.

Standing 6-foot-0, 181 pounds, he is not the biggest defender. But still, he has handed out 816 hits and has had 699 blocks in his career. He averaged over 21 minutes of ice time last season, and being a right-shooting defenseman is always a plus on any team. He is an above-average puck possession player with a 50.4 Corsi For and a 1.8 Relative Corsi For. Dumba will bring stability and experience to a Coyotes blueline needing both attributes. The average age of the Yotes’ defense is 24.7 years old.

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What This Means Going Forward

Obviously, this is a good signing for the Coyotes. Even if they wish to move Dumba at the trade deadline next year, he will be a valuable asset to the team. He may just fit right in and want to stay. After all, who would want to spend winters in Minnesota instead of sunny, warm Arizona? This really means that GM Bill Armstrong is taking this team out of a rebuild and Dumba’s addition to an improved roster has to be viewed as a plus.

It was revealed recently that star prospect Logan Cooley decided to forego his second season at the University of Minnesota to sign with the Coyotes. No doubt some of his change of mind had to do with the team upgrading their roster and becoming more competitive. Now, with the team having Cooley, Dumba, Jason Zucker, Sean Durzi, Nick Bjugstad, and returning players like Jack McBain, Matias Macceilli, and Dylan Guenther, they are set to make some noise in the Central Division.

With the present roster, look for the Coyotes to achieve at least 82-88 points next season. Not within playoff range, but heading in the right direction!