Veteran defenseman hits waivers as Canadiens deal with blue-line uncertainty
Photo credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Matt Dumba hits waivers as Dan Muse makes a late blue-line call with the playoffs just days away in Pittsburgh.
That move carries weight.
You don't waive a veteran right-shot defenseman in mid-April unless the internal decision is already made.
Dumba dressed for 11 games and recorded 3 points with a -5 rating. The role never really settled.
And now he's available to everyone.
For teams lacking right-side depth, this is a low-risk look with potential short-term value.
Montreal is right in that mix.
Matt Dumba becomes option for Canadiens after late waiver decision
Noah Dobson being out changes the entire equation for Montreal's defense.
The right side suddenly looks light, especially heading into playoff matchups where matchups get tighter and shifts get heavier.
Kent Hughes doesn't need Dumba to carry a pair. He needs a fallback option who's been through NHL traffic before.
That's where the fit starts to make sense.
But it's not clean.
Dumba's 3.75 million cap hit adds friction. Even on waivers, that number matters depending on how Montreal handles the contract.
A Laval assignment feels like the logical route.
It gives the Canadiens insurance without forcing a direct playoff insertion. It also helps stabilize the Rocket after recent recalls.
Because the current depth comes with risk.
David Reinbacher has just 2 games this season. Adam Engstrom is still early in his NHL usage. That's a lot to lean on if injuries stack up.
Dumba raises the floor, even if he doesn't move the ceiling.
Florida also placed Noah Gregor and Nolan Foote on waivers. Gregor posted 9 points in 37 games, while Foote appeared in 12.
Those are depth plays.
Dumba is the decision point.
Hughes has until tomorrow to act. Claim him, and he buys experience and protection.
Pass, and he bets that what he has holds through the grind.
That answer will define how Montreal approaches its blue line when the puck drops on Game 1.
Also read on Blade of steel :
Jordan Binnington admits struggles as Joel Hofer outshines him in St. Louis
Jordan Binnington admits struggles as Joel Hofer outshines him in St. Louis