Wild’s Mathew Dumba Facing WJHC Suspension?

November 9, 2013; Raleigh, NC, USA; Minnesota Wild defensemen Matt Dumba (55) carries the puck against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Center. The Minnesota Wild defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

After being Team Canada’s final cut each of the last two U-20 WJHC tournaments, 2012 7th overall pick Mathew Dumba had everything going for him this year. He was even named one of Canada’s two assistant captains. Then he had to go and do this.

Dumba would instantly receive a five-minute kneeing major and an ejection. The question now is whether or not he’ll be receiving any sort of suspension in addition to the in-game punishment already taken. If he does miss game action, Canada will have to play at least the first game–if not more–with just five defensemen in the lineup.

Fellow 2012 first round pick and Team Canada teammate Griffin Reinhart is already serving the rest of his suspension from last year, and will miss Canada’s first three games of the tournament. For Canada, to start the tournament without both Reinhart and Dumba–who happens to be their only (currently) active NHLer on the roster–is nothing short of a major blow to a relatively young and inexperienced blue line.

The only bright side of a Dumba suspension? Scouts from around the league may now have a front row seat to see how potential 2014 first overall pick Aaron Ekblad performs under extraordinary pressure.

Gone Puck Wild will keep you posted as the situation develops.

As for tonight–well–the question everyone is asking is whether or not Mikael Granlund will find his way back into the lineup against the New York Rangers. No news on that front as of right now, but it wouldn’t surprise me either way. You have to be cautious with head injuries, but, at the same time, you can’t keep a good man down, and Granlund is chomping at the bit to get back in the game. It all just depends on what the doctors think.

Should be a good game tonight, we’ll see you back here right afterwards.