The Minnesota Wild were hit with a major blow when it was learned rugged rearguard Matt Dumba would be out a minimum of three months after undergoing surgery to repair an injury suffered back on December 15th.
As it turns out, Dumba suffered a torn pectoral muscle from exchanging blows with Calgary Flames talented agitator Matthew Tkachuk.
Speaking with Sarah McLellan of the Star-Tribune, Dumba explained that he threw a "wild punch" after Tkachuk hit a couple of stitches on his head that "made me pretty angry."
Dumba then told reporters on Friday with a brace around his right arm, Dumba further explained how the injury occurred.
“I was angry and threw a wild punch that didn’t connect, said the 24-year-old. "I had a bunch of stitches in my face and I think he rubbed those, had hit those a couple times, and it made me pretty angry.
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After being brought to the penalty box, Dumba felt a throbbing pain in his chest muscle and knew it was serious.
Dumba doesn't have an exact timetable for his return and will be stuck in the brace for a couple of more weeks before he can officially start his rehab.
Everything is just letting it heal, letting it get the rest that it needs, Dumba said to NHL.com That’s our focus right now. I’ve been doing that and making sure this repairs the right way.”
The offensively deprived Wild, who rank 25th in the league in goals scored with 130 (2.89 per game), would greatly benefit if Dumba could return before season's end. In the 32 games he was able to suit up in before being sidelined, the former Red Deer Rebel notched 12 goals and 10 assists for 22 points in 32 games after reaching 50 last season.
(h/t Star-Tribune and NHL.com)
