With NHL expansion draft next month, Wild’s Matt Dumba considering trip to Bahamas, not Seattle – Grand Forks Herald

He was widely reported to be a bargaining chip last offseason with general manager Bill Guerin trying to nab a No. 1 center. And with the Seattle Kraken coming into the NHL this offseason, many think the Wild might be forced to expose the 26-year-old defenseman in the July 21 expansion draft.

Luckily for Dumba, he has experience blocking out the noise. Asked how he plans to do that over the next six weeks, Dumba smiled and replied, Im thinking of going to the Bahamas and just leaving my phone.

Its no secret that Dumba wants to stay with the Wild. He made that clear in his exit meeting with Guerin earlier this week.

I emphasized to him that this is home for me, Dumba said. This is where I want to be. I love it here.

This isnt the first time Dumba has been at the epicenter of the expansion draft.

When the Vegas Golden Knights came into the league in 2017, Dumba seemed like the natural choice. Instead, former general manager Chuck Fletcher opted to trade top prospect Alex Tuch in a side deal that ensured the Golden Knights selected Erik Haula.

That kept Dumba safe at the time and it might take a similar move to keep him safe again this offseason. Its likely that the Wild decide to protect seven forwards, three defensemen and one goaltender as opposed to the other option that allows them to protect eight skaters and one goalie.

The only problem with the first plan is the Wild have to protect defensemen Jared Spurgeon, Ryan Suter and Jonas Brodin because of their no-movement clauses. That would leave Dumba exposed, thus highlighting the need for a potential side deal.

They have always found a way to make it work in the past, Dumba said. My names in trade speculation every year. Ive become accustomed to it. It is what it is. Ive expressed my feelings about where I want to be and where my heart is. At the end of the day, thats all I can do.

For the Wild, theres definitely a benefit in keeping Dumba around. Hes an extremely dynamic player on the blue line, and maybe more importantly, hes developed into the unquestioned leader in the locker room. Frankly, when Dumba isnt around, its noticeable both on and off the ice.

With the expansion draft scheduled for July 21, Dumba will only have to wait six weeks to learn his fate. In the meantime, he plans to enjoy his summer as best he can.

This next month Im not going be focused on that, he said. Just have a good summer here and enjoy it with some friends and family.

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With NHL expansion draft next month, Wild's Matt Dumba considering trip to Bahamas, not Seattle - Grand Forks Herald