As soon as I heard the rumour that the Wild were shopping Dumba, I knew the Leafs needed to get in on this. It is common knowledge that the Maple Leafs need help on the blue line. Dumba is probably better than anyone in the free agency who is on contract. A solid stay-home defenceman who does not mess around in his own end. He is a rock-solid hitter who takes no prisoners.
Now the problem: what is he going to cost? A number two defencemen won't be cheap. The next thing to consider is what is the Wild needs. The Wild are looking for a center/forward, and the Leafs have one player who fills that role. Enter William Nylander, a top-six forward who just might meet the Wild needs. The trade fits both teams and would improve both. That is a definition of a win-win.
Not that I want to see Nylander go, but he is the most logical player. The Leafs are not trading Matthews and the Wild cannot afford Tavares. Marner is out of the question; the Maple Leafs would to much for him. So it comes down to Nylander fitting the role and the Wild being able to take on his cap.
Last word
The St. Louis Blues recently sent Jake Allen to the Montreal Canadiens. This gives the Blues additional funds to sign defencemen Alex Pietrangelo. Which makes Matt Dumba the perfect fit as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
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