Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman suggests that the Arizona Coyotes are one of the top potential destinations for free-agent Matt Dumba.
The Arizona Coyotes rumors surrounding defenseman Matt Dumba are beginning to pick up steam.
On July 3, PHNX Sports’ Craig Morgan reported that the Coyotes were pursuing Dumba, who is currently a free agent. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman confirmed these rumors on NHL Tonight placing Arizona presumably as the frontrunners for the veteran defenseman.
“I think Arizona has a roster spot open,” Friedman said. “I think Matt Dumba has a home in Arizona. I heard there was a connection there and I think he has a place there. And the Coyotes are interested and so I think they have a spot for him.”
While the Coyotes have been linked too Dumba, they are not the only team that may be interested in his services according to Friedman.
“I don’t know this for sure but I’ve also suspected that maybe San Jose could have a spot for him there… But I’ve wonder if San Jose trades Karlsson, if it’s possible that Matt Dumba could end up with the Sharks,” Friedman said.
The 28-year-old played 79 games for the Minnesota Wild this past season where he had four goals, 10 assists and 14 points.
If the Coyotes are looking to be competitive which it seems like they are, Dumba would be a great pickup as he would add depth to the team’s blueline serving most likely as a top-four defenseman and would provide a source of veteran leadership to Arizona’s young core.
It should be interesting to see what develops with Dumba over the coming days or even the coming weeks.