Matt Dumba Is Still Available, Do The Edmonton Oilers Need Him?

ELMONT, NEW YORK - JANUARY 12: Matt Dumba #24 of the Minnesota Wild shoots the puck into the New York Islanders end during the first period the UBS Arena on January 12, 2023 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
ELMONT, NEW YORK - JANUARY 12: Matt Dumba #24 of the Minnesota Wild shoots the puck into the New York Islanders end during the first period the UBS Arena on January 12, 2023 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

We are almost a week into the free agency and we still have a few big names left. These names include Patrick Kane, Vladimir Tarasenko, and Matt Dumba. Of the players listed I think the Edmonton Oilers should be interested in Matt Dumba.

The Edmonton Oilers would be wise to consider signing Matt Dumba as a free agent. Not only would he bring a wealth of experience and skill to the team, but he could also help address some of the team’s weaknesses.

Dumba is a talented defenseman who has played for the Minnesota Wild for the past ten seasons. He has consistently been one of the team’s top performers, averaging over 20 minutes of ice time per game and contributing offensively and defensively. In the 2022-2023 season, he scored 4 goals and added 10 assists, demonstrating his primary ability would be to assist the Edmonton Oilers Defensive game.

However, Dumba’s value to the Edmonton  Oilers extends beyond his on-ice performance. The team has struggled defensively in recent years, and Dumba’s presence could help shore up that weakness. He is a strong skater with a good sense of positioning, which could help the Oilers better protect their net.

Additionally, Dumba is known for his leadership abilities. He has served as an alternate captain for the Wild and has been praised by teammates and coaches alike for his work ethic and dedication. The Oilers could benefit from having a player like Dumba in the locker room, helping to motivate and guide the team.

Of course, there are potential downsides to signing Dumba as well. He will likely command a higher salary as a free agent, which would likely cause a player to need to be traded. There is always a risk that he could struggle to adjust to a new team and system as well. However, the potential rewards of signing Dumba outweigh the risks.

There are many reasons why the Edmonton Oilers should consider signing Matt Dumba as a free agent. He would bring talent, leadership, and a strong defensive presence to the team, helping to address some of the team’s weaknesses and improve their chances of success. With him waiting so long to sign maybe he will be cheaper than we expect.