Wild's Dumba on starting next season in AHL: 'Uh ... that's not my goal'

Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba appeared in 13 NHL games last season before the organization decided he needed some more seasoning with the WHL's Portland Winterhawks. The 19-year-old went on to score eight goals and add 16 assists in 26 games, with another 18 points in 21 playoff games to boot.

Dumba, who will turn 20 on July 25, was asked at the Wild's development camp Tuesday if he would be disappointed to start next season with the team's AHL team in Des Moines. After taking a moment to search for a reasonable response, Dumba simply stated, "Uh ... that's not my goal. I'm going to do whatever it takes to stay here."

Drafted seventh overall by the Wild in 2012, Dumba did score his first NHL goal and added an assist in his 13 games with the big club, and will be AHL-eligible next season due to his upcoming birthday.

The Wild, however, are offering no guarantees that he will spend all of 2014-15 in the NHL, despite his great potential.

"We're certainly in no rush," general manager Chuck Fletcher told the Pioneer Press. "We're going to do what's best for his overall development. He's like every kid; he just needs experience ... It will be his first pro season, and he needs to gain confidence at the pro level. We'll let his play dictate the decisions."

As per Capgeek, the Wild have four defensemen on one-way contracts next season, with Jonas Brodin most likely to stick. That leaves one regular spot left for Dumba to claim, with an occasional healthy scratch possibly mixed in. 

Fletcher's comments suggest the team may be leaning towards giving him a year in the minors in order to hone his game while playing big minutes in the AHL.