Matt Dumba and Others the Toronto Maple Leafs Should Still Target

2 of 4

Mar 26, 2022; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba (24) checks Columbus Blue Jackets center Sean Kuraly (7) in the first period at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: David Berding-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 1: Matt Dumba

Of all the 2023 UFA defenseman available, Dumba was number-one on my “to-sign” list for the Toronto Maple Leafs because it felt like he fit everything they were missing.

With almost 600 games of NHL experience, the right-handed defenseman has strong physical attributes to his game but also has an offensive upside.

Despite playing in Minnesota his entire career, a team that is usually unknown for it’s offense, Dumba has four seasons of double-digit goals.

Not only are Dumba’s skills fantastic on the ice, but he’s a former King Clancy Memorial Award winner as well, which is “awarded to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution to his community.”

If you look at the former winners of this award, you’d want every one of them on your roster and Dumba is no different.

Obviously his point-production and defensive skills are why you sign him to help you on the ice, but off the ice, Dumba would be a strong leader on a team that is already filled with veterans.

Dumba is a player that you clear cap-space for, so hopefully there’s still a world where they can make this work.

Home/Editorials