Mathew Dumba to Make NHL Debut for Minnesota Wild Tonight

After surprisingly making the team out of camp last year as an 18-year-old, Mathew Dumba waited for his shot to play for the Minnesota Wild, all while practicing with the team, and learning what it takes to play in the NHL. And he waited for nine games, until he was eventually sent down to his junior squad in Red Deer without having his NHL debut under his belt.

Since young defensemen are typically moved along more slowly than forwards, it wasn't exactly time to start the #FreeMatDumba campaign. But with him being on the roster last season, and having his debut pushed back, it's been an exercise in patience, for both him and the fans.

However, that's down the road. As for right now? The Wild and their fanbase were completely spoiled last year with Brodin, who was so advanced that he stepped into the lineup right away and looked like a 10-year NHL veteran. While you can never say "never", especially with a talented prospect like Dumba, it's extremely unlikely that we'll see the same sort of thing in his first NHL year. Like many 19-year-defensemen (provided they're human), Dumba will have a learning curve and make mistakes. There's a big possibility he just gets a cup of coffee this year before getting sent down to Red Deer for another year of development in Junior. Do not be worried or panicked if these things happen. A season like Brodin had is an incredible exception, not the norm. Dumba can have a tough 8 games, be sent to Red Deer, and still be one of the brightest defenseman prospects in the game come next year.

Dumba was full of smiles when he talked to the media this morning, and full admitted that he hadn't stopped smiling since Yeo told him yesterday he would be playing. His parents, who have been in town for a few days, will be on hand at the Xcel tonight to watch their son live out his dream.

His biggest concern tonight is making sure that he continues to communicate with Ballard on the ice to make sure they are aware of each others position. Both players harbor the same tendencies to jump into the play, but have spent a lot of time focusing on making sure one of them stays behind the play a bit

Anyway, congratulations to Matt Dumba! Hopefully, this is the first game of a long, excellent career with the Wild.

Author's note: Quotes and descriptions from Dumba's media availability this morning were provided by Emilie. Huge thanks to her.