Defenseman Matt Dumba signed a one-year contract with the Arizona Coyotes prior to the 20232024 season, likely expecting to remain in the desert for the entirety of it. However, when you're a veteran, things can change, and at trade deadlines, your services can usually be a fit for a team that needs a bit of a push, which led him to be traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Dumba, aged 29, skated in fifty-eight games for the Coyotes before Julien Brisebois came calling and acquired his rights. After the trade, he participated in eighteen games with two assists and thirty-three penalty minutes. But his efforts appear to be in vain, as it's been reported Tuesday that the Lightning will let him walk in free agency this summer to entertain other offers.
The move by Brisbois and the Lightning to let him go isn't surprising, as he was brought to Tampa to see if he could help them over the hump to another Stanley Cup, but it didn't happen; letting him loose gives them a chance to find a younger, healthier defenseman with the qualities that Dumba possesses but at a cheaper price.
It remains to be seen if Dumba will be able to find a new home in time for the 20242025 season, but his presence could be important for a young core looking to add some veteran depth to build towards a contender. But would any of the other 31 GM's in the league find a purpose for him? Maybe, but we'll have to see.
