The Dallas Stars and Pittsburgh Penguins have completed a transaction involving defensemen, with the Stars sending Matt Dumba and a future draft asset to Pittsburgh in exchange for Vladislav Kolyachonok. The trade, announced on Thursday, sees the Stars acquire a younger, less expensive blue-liner while the Penguins add a veteran presence and a valuable draft pick.
For the Dallas Stars, this move appears largely motivated by salary cap considerations. Vladislav Kolyachonok, a 24-year-old defenseman, is entering the final year of his contract with a reported cap hit significantly lower than that of Matt Dumba. This exchange provides Dallas with crucial financial flexibility heading into the remainder of the off-season. Kolyachonok has appeared in 74 career NHL games, recording four goals and 14 assists. He was most recently part of the Pittsburgh organization after being claimed on waivers earlier this year. Last season, he combined for two goals and five assists over 35 games across his appearances.
On the Pittsburgh Penguins` side, the acquisition brings in Matt Dumba, a 30-year-old right-shot defenseman with extensive NHL experience. Dumba is a former seventh overall draft pick (2012) and has played 737 career games, accumulating 258 points (84 goals, 174 assists). He joins his fourth NHL team in just two years, following a decade spent with the Minnesota Wild and subsequent stints with Arizona and Tampa Bay before joining Dallas. While his offensive production saw a notable decrease last season, registering only one goal and nine assists in 63 regular-season games, Dumba provides a veteran presence on the blue line. As part of the deal, the Penguins also receive a second-round selection in the 2028 NHL Entry Draft, adding a significant future asset to their prospect pool.
The trade represents a strategic divergence for the two clubs. Dallas prioritizes shedding salary and gaining cap relief by moving a higher-salaried player for a cost-controlled option. Pittsburgh, conversely, opts to add a seasoned defenseman and secure a potentially high draft pick several years down the line. This transaction addresses distinct organizational goals as teams continue to shape their rosters ahead of the upcoming season.