Filipino Matt Dumba projected to go top-6 in the June 22nd 2012 NHL Draft

Two asians have been a top-10 NHL draft pick.  Paul Kariya was selected 4th overall in 1994 by the Anaheim Ducks and Devin Setoguchi was selected 8th overall in 2005 by the San Jose Sharks.  In mock drafts, Matt Dumba is projected to go between the 3rd and 6th picks.

Select fewer players effortlessly exude the passion for the game on and off the ice that take those who follow the game to a whole new stratosphere in terms of enjoying the game.  Mathew Dumba is one of those players – one of those players who is a rare breed when it comes to talent, production, and passion. But it cannot be defined simply as passion. Dumba’s love for the game and the pleasure he takes from playing the game is evident when you’re at the rink where he’s playing and whenever you see and hear him talking hockey.

If there was a University of Hockey, then Mathew Dumba would soon be embarking on a PhD in hockey physics. The kid uses angles, momentum, positioning, powerful skating and timing to unleash highlight reel, but legal hits. He also possesses unbelievable spatial awareness and his anticipation is off the charts.

Of course, Dumba is generating all this excitement at the junior level. It seems inevitable though that he’ll be doing the same in the big league in the not so distant future.

Many  “experts” consider him the highest risk/reward prospect eligible in this year’s draft class (Russian prospect notwithstanding). If a team is going to swing for the fences in this draft, selecting Matt Dumba might just be the equivalent of hitting it out of the park (or rink, as it where) in Albert Pujols style.

Dumba is an explosive dynamic defenseman with game-breaking ability. NHL team brass will like the fact that he single-handedly has the ability to put fans in the rink with his electrifying style of play and infectious personality. He always comes to play and possesses an elite level of competitiveness.

via Mathew Dumba – The Next Ones: NHL 2012 Draft Prospect Profile.