Matt Dumba has returned to St. Paul and is ready to play against the Minnesota Wild tonight for the first time in his career after signing a one-year, $3.9 million contract with the Arizona Coyotes last summer in free agency.
The former Wild blueliner spent the first 10 seasons of his career in Minnesota from 2013-14 to the 2022-23 campaign — totaling 79 goals and 236 points with a +29 rating across 598 games.
“Very exciting, obviously, just being able to see everyone that you did on a daily basis,” Dumba told the media on Saturday at morning skate. “You make so many relationships over a 10-year span with a hockey club. Nice to get back here and check in on everyone.”
So far this season, the 29-year-old right-shot defenseman has two goals and five points with a -11 rating in his first 39 games with the Coyotes.
And despite the Wild and Coyotes both being in the Central Division, they haven’t played each other yet this season and all four meetings this season take place between now and March 12.
But, finally at the midway point of the season, Dumba has made his return to Xcel Energy Center and will play against the team who he played his first 10 seasons with and drafted him in the first round of the 2012 NHL Draft.
“It’s weird, but also super exciting,” he said. “It’s good to see all these familiar faces, friends. But it’s different being over on the away side.”
As for the video tribute tonight?
“I’m sure I’ll be overwhelmed with emotions and just seeing it all will be really cool,” Dumba said. “But I’m ready for that moment and very excited.”
What about the on-ice product?
“I expect this to be a good game,” he said.
Dumba’s right. It has all the makings to be an entertaining matchup, especially with the Coyotes sitting directly above the Wild in the standings, so there’s two crucial points on the line for both teams fighting to get into a wild-card spot.
“I’m sure we’ll have some laughs out there,” Dumba said, “but I’m excited for this one. I’m not sure what to really expect. I’m just going with the flow and trying to take it all in.”