Minnesota Wild Prospect Dumba transferred to Houston Aeros

June 22, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Matthew Dumba shows off his team jersey after being selected by the Minnesota Wild in the 2012 NHL Draft at CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Wild prospect Mathew Dumba, an 18-year-old Canadian defenseman, has been transferred to Minnesota’s AHL affiliate, the Houston Aeros. Dumba joins the Aeros from his WHL club, the Red Deer Rebels of Alberta.

Dumba recently wrapped up his fourth season with the Rebels, finishing 2012-13 with 62 games played, 42 points scored (16G + 26A = 42), a plus-10 rating and 80 PIM.

In the 2013 playoffs, Dumba played nine games and tallied four points. The Rebels swept Prince Albert, then fell to Calgary in five games.

The young defenseman’s plus-10 rating on the ice was markedly improved from his third season in the WHL, when in 69 games, he rated a negative-6, though he did score 57 points in 2011-12.

The Minnesota Wild selected Dumba with the seventh overall pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. He earned a spot on the Wild’s opening night roster, but did not appear in four games and was returned to the Rebels.

The Rebels concluded its season April 11, and Minnesota Wild GM Chuck Fletcher announced Monday afternoon Dumba had been reassigned to Houston.

At six-feet and a lean 182-pounds, Dumba is fast and physical. His play has been compared to P.K. Subban for his combination of hard open-ice checks and nose for goals. In his tenure with the Rebels, Dumba has also proven himself a more-than-willing pugilist.

His combination of hard hits and soft hands make the 18-year-old a prospect to watch as he joins the Wild’s AHL affiliate. As he already impressed coaching staff before the lockout-shortened regular season, Dumba could be primed to rise quickly through the ranks. Some time with the Aeros will show if he can adjust to a higher level of play, and also give the young man some opportunity to fill out; he’s giving up more than 20 pounds to Subban and to many NHL forwards at his current 182.

The Aeros depart for a three-game road trip Friday and conclude the regular season April 21.

Dumba’s prospect reel: