Pittsburgh Penguins acquire Matt Dumba and draft pick from Dallas Stars in bold roster shake-up
Dumba, 30, arrives in Pittsburgh with over 700 NHL games to his name, ready to bring grit, shot-blocking, and leadership to a team eager to stay competitive while amassing draft assets for the years ahead.
Veteran defenseman Matt Dumba brings experience and toughness as Pittsburgh Penguins build for the future
The trade, finalized today by Kyle Dubas, signals Pittsburgh's twin goals of shoring up its defensive corps in the short term while keeping an eye on long-term roster building.
Matt Dumba
signed through the 2025–26 season at an average annual value of $3.75 million.
Last season in Dallas, Dumba put up 10 points (one goal, nine assists) in 63 games, while ranking fifth on the team in blocked shots (60) and sixth in hits (70). The 6-foot-1, 185-pound defender has built a reputation over 12 NHL seasons for his physical style and timely offense, logging 84 goals and 174 assists in 737 regular-season games.
Beyond the raw numbers, Dumba brings valuable playoff experience, having played 54 postseason games with Minnesota and Tampa Bay.
During the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, he suited up for the Lightning, making his debut on April 21 in a tight 3–2 loss to the Florida Panthers. In those playoffs, he finished second on the Lightning in blocked shots, demonstrating his trademark defensive commitment.
Pittsburgh's front office also highlighted the future-facing benefit of the deal. By acquiring Dallas' 2028 second-round pick, the Penguins now hold 10 selections in that draft—among them San Jose's third- and fifth-rounders. Dubas noted the club's broader planning strategy: 'We now have 29 picks over the next three drafts, including 17 in the first three rounds,
'
he said today in Pittsburgh.
Dumba himself is no stranger to significant NHL moments. Drafted seventh overall in 2012 by Minnesota, he posted his best offensive season in 2017–18 with 14 goals and 50 points. Off the ice, he's earned recognition for leadership and community involvement, serving on the inaugural executive board of the Hockey Diversity Alliance and receiving the NHL's King Clancy Award in 2020.
Building toward a new era: What the Pittsburgh Penguins' bold move means
With this deal, the Penguins not only add a seasoned, hard-hitting defenseman capable of logging big minutes but also continue to stockpile draft capital for future roster building. As the organization balances veteran leadership with long-term planning, the acquisition of Matt Dumba and a valuable second-round pick underlines Pittsburgh's commitment to both competing now and shaping its next generation of talent.
Also Read:
Philadelphia Flyers' 18-year-old prospect Jett Luchanko battles through brutal season to chase NHL roster spot
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