Matt Dumba, the defenseman the Wild took in the first round (7th overall) of the NHL draft, has agreed to terms.
Dumba, who will turn 18 on Wednesday, will play for Red Deer in the Western Hockey League, his former team, if he doesn't make the Wild in training camp.
Russo reports Dumba's deal is for three years and worth $2.75 million if he plays in the NHL. The annual cap hit is $1.633 million with potential bonuses.
Russo's draft night story tells you the young lad's tale.
Here is the team's press release:
Minnesota Wild General Manager Chuck Fletcher today announced the National Hockey League (NHL) club has signed defenseman Mathew Dumba to an entry-level contract. Dumba (pronounced DUHM-bah) was the Wild's first-round pick (No. 7 overall) in last month's 2012 NHL Entry Draft and just wrapped up participation in his first Wild Development Camp.
Dumba, 17 (7/25/94), posted 57 points (20-37=57) and 67 penalty minutes (PIM) in 69 games for the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League (WHL) in 2011-12. He led all WHL defensemen in goals and was sixth in points, while leading Red Deer with nine power play goals. Dumba was captain of Team Canada at the 2012 Under-18 World Championships, recording a tournament-best 12 points (5-7=12) in seven games. He was named the Best Defenseman of the competition en route to capturing a bronze medal. Dumba was the WHL's Rookie of the Year in 2010-11 after he led the Rebels in rookie scoring (15-11=26). The 6-foot, 185-pound blueliner was born in Regina, Sask., before moving to Calgary, Alberta.
