May 28, 2024 | 5:30pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com
DUMBA WILL NOT BE BACK IN TAMPA
Matt Dumba, defenceman
The Tampa Bay Lightning will not be bringing back right-shot defenceman Matt Dumba, according to TFP’s David Pagnotta.
After the Lightning acquired blueliner Ryan McDonagh from the Nashville Predators last week, the writing was on the wall for Dumba, who will now hit the open market as an unrestricted free agent July 1 and weigh his options.
Somewhat obvious after the #GoBolts acquired Ryan McDonagh, but I’ve confirmed TB will not be bringing RD Matt Dumba back. He will hit the UFA market July 1.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) May 28, 2024
The Lightning acquired Dumba from the Arizona Coyotes prior to the trade deadline. He tallied four goals and eight assists for 12 points and 88 penalty minutes in 76 games with the Coyotes and Bolts this season.
Dumba, who turns 30 on July 29, signed a one-year, $3.9 million contract with the Coyotes last summer.
Several teams expressed various levels of interest in Dumba ahead of the deadline, before he was dealt to Tampa, and will surely explore the possibility of signing him as a free agent this summer. It is unclear as to the type of contract Dumba will be looking for.