Tampa Bay Lightning acquire defenceman Matt Dumba from Arizona Coyotes
The Tampa Bay Lightning have acquired right-shot defenceman Matt Dumba and a 2025 seventh-round pick from the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for a 2027 fifth-round selection.
Dumba, 29, is a pending unrestricted free agent playing on a one-year show-me deal with the Coyotes last offseason, valued at $3.9-million. Arizona hasn't retained any of his salary as part of this deal.
He played top-four minutes in the desert, hitting an average of 20:04 a night and chipping in with a modest 10 points in 58 contests. His form has been in decline for a few seasons now, though, and he didn't necessarily show a lot in the desert.
Matt Dumba, acquired by TB, is an offensive defenceman. Still shoots the puck but has been heavily affected by injuries in the past several years. Not much of a puck-mover and hasn't been carrying it as much this season, which was a big part of his game. Worth a shot? #GoBolts pic.twitter.com/fMaN4Ej4Zo
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) March 8, 2024
The hope is that Dumba can tap in to some of his early NHL success in a more limited, insulated role on the Lightning blue line.
Arizona, meanwhile, adds more late-round draft capital to their war chest.
