This Lightning defenseman won't be back next season.
This Lightning defenseman won't be back next season.
Last week, we here at The Hockey News Lightning discussed that defenseman Matt Dumba is unlikely to return to the Tampa Bay Lightning next season. Now, we have gotten confirmation that this is the case.
NHL insider David Pagnotta confirmed on Tuesday that the Lightning will not be re-signing Dumba after acquiring fellow defenseman Ryan McDonagh from the Nashville Predators.
It is entirely understandable that Dumba's time in Tampa Bay is ending. After adding McDonagh, the Lightning have just over $5 million of cap space to work. They also must re-sign Steven Stamkos.
Dumba, 29, was added by the Lightning at the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline from the Arizona Coyotes. When noting that the right side of their defense needed a boost, it was a move that made sense. The Lightning also wanted more toughness on their blueline, and Dumba provided that.
Dumba appeared in 18 regular-season games with the Lightning following the move, posting two assists, 33 penalty minutes, 55 hits, and a minus-5 rating. He also played in all five Lightning playoff games this year, posting zero points and a minus-2 rating.
Since Dumba is a hard-nosed right-shot defenseman with plenty of experience, he should have a good amount of interest this summer. It will be intriguing to see where he ends up from here.
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