The Free agency frenzy is done and over with. However, there are still key names on the open market. The groundwork has been laid by every general manager, but there is still more to do. NHL Rumours are flying around like clockwork. Today we focus on the Washington Capitals and Matt Dumba.
NHL Rumours
Washington Capitals
Friedman on 32TP: "Washington is one of the teams that has kind of let it be known that they are prepared to make a move in their top 6 and it's a hockey trade, they're not looking for a salary dump…Now, it's not going to be Tom Wilson"
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) July 4, 2023
If there is one word to describe what the salary cap has done for managers, it is frustration. The number for the salary cap did not go up as many had anticipated. That led to teams like the Boston Bruins trading players in a salary cap dump scenario. Another team that can follow suit is the Washington Capitals.
To create space, the team would need to move a hefty contract. With only roughly $800 thousand to work with, doing that would be huge for the club. Tom Wilson is an obvious candidate, but the club may want to keep him beyond this season. Given the constructed blue line, all players are signed for relatively cheaper deals. It would be a forward moving on.
Two players that come to mind are Evgeny Kuznetsov and Anthony Mantha. Mantha has one year left on his current deal, and Kuznetsov two. Furthermore, they both carry cap hits north of $5 million. Moving players such as these two will not be easy. Kuznetsov had a strong season with 12 goals and 55 points. In addition, his 43 assists were the most of any Capitals player. On a contending team, he slots in nicely down the middle. However, he does have a M-NMC in his contract.
Mantha had 27 points this season. It leaves much to be desired, but a change of scenery can get his game going.
Matt Dumba
Friedman on NHL Network on Dumba: “The Leafs talked to him, they couldn’t make it fit, couldn’t work salary wise, but I do think Toronto talked to him”
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) July 6, 2023
Plenty of key players have found new homes for themselves. One player that still remains on the market is Matt Dumba. The latest NHL rumours swirl around his next destination. Two teams have been mentioned as potential landing spots for the veteran defensemen. Those are the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Arizona Coyotes.
Toronto has had discussions about signing him. However, they are well over the salary cap and have to make moves to be compliant. Adding defensemen like Dumba could help boost their back end. Following suit, such as John Klingberg and taking a one-year deal and betting on himself is a wise decision. Dumba easily slides into their top four, but finding the right price point will be challenging.
Friedman on Dumba/Yotes (32TP): "Matt Dumba has not signed yet, I think this could be where he ends up…Arizona has a spot open and I think he's a player they have interest in"
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) July 4, 2023
Arizona has the fit and the budget to make a deal work. Dumba would get the opportunity to play top-pair minutes. Going from a contender in Minnesota to Arizona is not desirable, but making the most of his opportunities is there. Arizona could use a top pair defensemen to go along with some of their firepower up front.
Main Photo: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
