The Minnesota Wild benched defenseman Matt Dumba on Thursday ahead of their clash vs. the Carolina Hurricanes, listing their alternate captain as a healthy scratch. With trade rumors (once again) circling the veteran defenseman, fans immediately rushed to the conclusion that a Dumba trade could be on the horizon. Via Michael Russo of The Athletic, head coach Dan Evason said he discussed the situation with Dumba, calling it a “hockey decision.”

“Matt Dumba will be a healthy scratch tonight. Hockey decision, not injury. Evason: ‘We had a real good meeting. He knowsD why he’s sitting out tonight.'”

While Evason himself didn’t mention the prospect of any trade, Dumba’s name has been floated in recent trade rumors, as it has been for the past few seasons. With the Wild strapped for cash, they could look to move on from Dumba, who is in the final year of his contract and making $5 million this season. The contract extension for Matt Boldy effectively indicated that Dumba’s own deal would not be extended, thus making the possibility of a mid-season trade even higher.