Matt Dumba Placed on Waivers by Pittsburgh Penguins Ahead of Playoffs
In a surprising move on the eve of the playoffs, the Pittsburgh Penguins have decided to part ways with veteran defenceman Matt Dumba. Reports indicate the team placed Dumba on waivers Thursday with the intention of terminating his contract.
Financial Implications & AHL Playoff Eligibility
According to PuckPedia, because Dumba is in the final year of his contract, he will not forfeit any salary as a result of this termination. This also means he won’t be required to report for AHL playoff duty. His cap hit for the current season was $3.75 million, stemming from a two-year deal originally signed with the Dallas Stars in 2024.
Dumba’s Limited Impact with the Penguins
The 31-year-old Dumba appeared in just 11 games for the Penguins this season, registering one goal and three points. His last NHL game with the club was on December 7th. Following a trade that brought Stuart Skinner and Brett Kulak to Pittsburgh from the Edmonton Oilers, Dumba was assigned to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the AHL, where he played in 27 games.
A Long and Illustrious NHL Career
Dumba is a seasoned NHL veteran with 13 years of experience. Originally selected seventh overall in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft by the Minnesota Wild, he has amassed an impressive career record. He’s also a recipient of the prestigious King Clancy Memorial Trophy, recognizing his leadership qualities and community involvement.
Throughout his career, Dumba has played for the Wild, Arizona Coyotes, Tampa Bay Lightning, Dallas Stars, and the Penguins, accumulating 85 goals and 261 points in 748 career NHL games. He has consistently demonstrated his offensive capabilities from the blue line.
What’s Next for Matt Dumba?
The termination of his contract leaves Dumba as a free agent. While his recent performance with the Penguins was limited, his experience and offensive upside could make him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their defensive corps, particularly as teams prepare for potential injuries during a long playoff run. It remains to be seen where Dumba will land, but his NHL journey is far from over.
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