Thank You, Matt Dumba - 10,000 Takes

As fans of the Minnesota Wild, we owe you a colossal thank you for the dedication, resilience and passion you have shown for this team, this sport and this state. Your time with the Wild has been nothing short of exemplary and the entire community is grateful for the privilege of witnessing your journey.

Early Career and Breakthrough

Matt Dumba was selected seventh overall by the Wild in the first round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. He quickly earned his place in the lineup and made his NHL debut on October 5, 2013, against the Anaheim Ducks. This momentous occasion marked a breakthrough for diversity in the sport as Dumba became the first player of Filipino descent to play in the NHL. Just a week later he scored his first NHL goal against Dan Ellis of the Dallas Stars, solidifying his presence in the league.

Season of Growth and Achievement

The 2015–16 season proved to be a turning point in Dumba’s career. As a defenseman, he achieved career highs in goals, assists, points and penalty minutes. Playing in 81 out of 82 games, Dumba’s contributions were vital to the team’s success. Notably, he played a crucial role in the Wild’s victory over the Chicago Blackhawks at TCF Bank Stadium as part of the NHL Stadium Series.

Continued Growth and Success

In the following year, Dumba’s performance continued to impress. He set new career highs with 11 goals, 23 assists and 34 points. Recognizing his valuable contributions, the Wild re-signed him to a two-year, $5.1 million bridge deal in 2016. With increasing responsibilities and an average ice time of 21:48, Dumba proved himself as an essential player for the team. His success led to a five-year, $30 million contract extension with the Wild in 2018.

Minnesota Wild Stats

Throughout his career with the Wild, Dumba has played 598 regular-season games, scoring 79 goals and providing 157 assists for a total of 236 points. He boasts a solid shooting percentage of 7.0% and has accumulated 399 penalty minutes. With an average ice time of 20:37 per game, he has been a consistent presence on the ice. Dumba’s contributions to the Wild’s power play have been noteworthy, with 26 power-play goals and 48 power-play assists. His presence has been vital to the team’s success over the years.

Off the Ice

In June 2020, Matt became an inaugural executive board member of the Hockey Diversity Alliance. This organization actively dedicates its efforts to address intolerance and racism in hockey. Furthermore, the hockey community acknowledged Matt Dumba’s leadership qualities and humanitarian contributions when he received the King Clancy Memorial Trophy following the 2020 season. This prestigious award honors players who best exemplify leadership qualities both on and off the ice. It also highlights those who make significant contributions to their community.

Looking Forward

As we move forward, there is no doubt that Matt Dumba will continue to be a pivotal player for the Coyotes. His exceptional skill, leadership qualities and unwavering commitment to the sport have rightfully placed him among the league’s best defensemen. As Wild fans, however, it’ll be difficult to see him no longer wearing the jersey but we wholeheartedly wish him nothing but the best for his career.