The Minnesota Wild has offered 21-year-old defenseman Matt Dumba to the Tampa Bay Lightning for 20-year-old forward Jonathan Drouin, according to Michael Russo of the Star Tribune.
Russo says Minnetonka native Tom Kurvers, a scout for the Lightning, has been at the last two Wild home games watching Dumba.
Drouin was the third overall pick in the 2013 NHL Draft. His agent has admitted to requesting a trade from Tampa Bay, where Drouin hasn’t been able to crack the top two lines. In fact, Drouin is currently playing for Tampa’s affiliate in the AHL.
ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun says:
“The Wild tried to get Ryan Johansen from the Columbus Blue Jackets, so why not take a shot on Drouin even though he’s not the No. 1 center they covet? Top-six offense in any form is a need for Minnesota. Just not sure the Wild have the right pieces to make it fit with Tampa.”
The Wild, despite going 6-6-2 in its last 14 home games, is off to a fantastic start to the season and is in contention for home ice in the first round of the playoffs.
Stay tuned to the Drouin drama because TSN NHL Insider Bob McKenzie thinks a deal could get done this week.
The NHL trade deadline is Feb. 29.
