NHL Rumors: Lightning & Coyotes Becoming Possible Trade Partners

The Tampa Bay Lightning are preparing to be buyers at the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline. This is understandable, as they are one of the many teams in the playoff hunt, and they are in win-now mode.

One area that they are looking to improve is the right side of their defensive group. Because of this, one player who is expected to be on their radar over these next few weeks is Arizona Coyotes defenseman Matt Dumba.

Dumba, 29, signed a contract for the 2023-24 season with the Arizona Coyotes during this past offseason. Overall, the fit has not particularly been there, and the Coyotes are likely to listen to offers for him as we get closer to the deadline because of it. With the Lightning needing some grit and experience on their bottom pairing, bringing in an experienced defenseman like Dumba could make sense for them.

Dumba has appeared in 44 games this season with the Coyotes, where he has two goals, three assists, and a minus-10 rating. While it has been a tough season for him, there is a chance that he could bounce back on a strong team like the Lightning.

We will need to wait and see if the Lightning end up bringing in Dumba before the upcoming trade deadline passes from here. With salary retained, it may be an avenue worth exploring.