Sports

Wild sign teen Matt Dumba, their 1st-round pick

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Jul 20, 2012 at 8:37 am

ST. PAUL, MN (AP) - The Minnesota Wild have signed teenager and first-round draft pick Mathew Dumba.

The Wild announced Thursday the signing of 17-year-old Dumba, who was the seventh overall draft pick. He recently participated in the Wild's prospect camp after serving as a captain for Canada in the Under-18 world championships.

Dumba had 20 goals and 57 points for Red Deer in the Western Hockey League last season. He led all WHL defensemen in goals. The Wild envision him becoming a top-shelf, puck-moving defenseman.

His development will no doubt be aided by the recent acquisition of veteran defenseman Ryan Suter. The Wild signed Suter to a 13-year, $98 million contract this month.