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MNWild: All Eyes on Mathew Dumba’s Debut Tonight(Video Highlights)

October 5, 2013, 3:59 PM ET [12 Comments]
Tony Dean
Minnesota Wild Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
I will be the first to admit that my own selfish wants and needs for Mathew Dumba to be in the NHL this season have created sky high expectations for this 19 year old kid tonight and beyond. The unadulterated truth is if the Wild unleash this kid on the NHL this year, every night he will create highlight reel plays and have Wild fans in the Excel Energy Center on the edge of their seats. I don’t believe anyone will put up much effort disputing that point. I think where the concern and uncertainty exists is whether Dumba can stay healthy and effective playing his kamikaze brand of hockey in the NHL as a 19 year old. My answer is I think Dumba is a kid that kills himself to prove people wrong and tonight begins another opportunity to do the same. Beyond his physical capabilities which are significant, the Wild has been missing the type of energy and aggressiveness that Dumba uses to make an impact. I found it particularly telling when Dumba was called out by Wild Head Coach Mike Yeo this fall for playing too safe during camp and the preseason. For Dumba to control his own destiny, it begins tonight by making his impression felt in the with his speed, hitting, and offensive abilities. Buckle up folks because I think Dumba is going to be itching to line a member of the Ducks up at center ice and make a memory.


So much attention has been directed to the competition taking place between the young forwards vying for a chance to solidify roles in the Wild’s Top6 this season that Dumba’s very mature camp and preseason has gone very under the radar. General Manager Chuck Fletcher is a master at allowing the media and fans exactly what he wants you to know. Fletcher and Yeo have made no mystery that Dumba can and will make this team now and beginning his NHL career this year if he makes good on this opportunity. Per collective bargaining agreement rules and an agreement with the Canadian Junior Hockey, no players under contract under 20 years old may play in the American Hockey League. Dumba essentially can play in 9 games this season before Fletcher and Yeo have to commit to activating the first year of his contract.


Here is why is some of why people including myself have been so excited for Dumba to make the Wild:




AND HERE TOO:




In reality no one can be sure what happens tonight and beyond with Dumba in a Wild sweater but the way he carries himself as a person and a hockey player it is clear he is exactly the type of player that will win over Wild fans. Dumba will need to be very cautious to maintain proper in season maintenance because the NHL game will be a ferocious step up in physicality and punishment for him. Dumba will need to pick his spots to attempt to blow up opponents with body checks and find chemistry with his defensive partner who will be tasked for bailing him out when the chances he takes turn bad. Dumba has a fiery temperament towards opponents and he must prove he can control his emotions and be responsible with his positioning and assignment in the defensive end. It is pretty clear veteran Keith Ballard will be connected at the hip with Dumba providing the Wild a skilled tough pairing in the bottom pairing. Opponents better keep their head up entering the Wild zone and camping out in front of the net.


Obviously Dumba will have to be extremely convincing in his play to force Fletcher to activate his first year of his entry level deal but I think from Craig Leipold on down everyone is rooting for this kid. Tonight Dumba needs to not get baited by a very savvy offensively talented Anaheim Ducks team that has enjoyed success against the Wild in the past couple seasons. The Ducks are a team that takes advantage of opponents being out of position and it will be very interesting to see if Dumba can make good on the chances he takes jumping up into the play. Dumba will have to make sure the big hit is worthwhile this evening before taking himself and possibly the opposing player out of the play. Also Dumba will need to continue to show his value moving the puck helping the Wild to breakout of the zone and getting his booming shot through traffic and on the net from the blue line.


Don’t be fooled into thinking Dumba making this team isn’t on the minds of just about everyone in the Wild organization. The Wild defensive corps has been a glaring weakness for the team for many seasons and specifically the toughness and physicality that Dumba plays with is an element the team has lacked. Because so much build up and motivation for Dumba to make good on this opportunity exist, it makes for a very real possibility a letdown could have far reaching impact on the Wild’s season and Dumba’s development. It is crazy how much pressure and expectation that surrounds this 19 year old kid. It is such a delicate decision making process for Yeo and Fletcher to be charged with. It is such an empowering storyline for Fans of the Wild and Dumba specifically to follow. As such tonight will truly be all eyes on Mathew Dumba.

Here is Mathew Dumba Draft Night:



Just My Thoughts,
Tony Dean
@AWKD
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