Matt Dumba, the Wild’s number-one draft pick, seventh overall, is sticking the team to start the season.
“He’s earned it,” head coach Mike Yeo told the Star Tribune.
Dumba can only play five games or the first year of his three-year rookie contract will be used up.
Fellow defenseman Tom Gilbert injured his groin in Wednesday’s scrimmage. He didn’t practice Thursday but he’s expected to play in Saturday’s opener against Colorado.
