Arizona Coyotes defenseman Matt Dumba is not in the lineup for Thursday night’s game against the Minnesota Wild due to trade-related reasons. 240307_CoachScrum The NHL Trade Deadline is less than 24 hours away and the Coyotes are expected to deal Dumba at any moment now. With the Coyotes basically out of the playoff hunt and Dumba on an expiring contract, it makes sense that Arizona will part ways with the veteran defenseman. In 58 games this season, Dumba has four goals, six assists and 10 points while averaging 20:04 minutes per game. The 29-year-old defenseman plays a physical game as he is capable of delivering big-time hits which may be helpful come playoff time. Dumba also possesses some speed and is a really solid skater. He is unafraid to use his speed to contribute offensively and pinch in the offensive zone when he needs to. It’s been an up and down season for Dumba partly because he’s really had to take an increased role, playing the third most minutes on the team only behind Sean Durzi and J.J. Moser. If he has a little bit less weight on his shoulders with a contending team, Dumba could really thrive and prove to be useful in the playoffs.
