In a transaction notable for its potential salary cap implications and asset management, the Dallas Stars have traded defenceman Matt Dumba and a second-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft to the Pittsburgh Penguins. In return, Dallas acquires defenceman Vladislav Kolyachonok.
This move sees Dumba, a veteran blueliner who spent a decade with the Minnesota Wild before becoming something of a familiar traveler on the NHL circuit over the past two years, joining his fourth organization in short order. The 30-year-old is entering the final season of a two-year contract that carried a $3.75 million cap hit for Dallas. His recent performance saw him record one goal and nine assists in 63 regular-season games last year, though he did not feature in the Stars` playoff run.
Dumba, originally the seventh overall pick in the 2012 NHL Draft, brings 737 games of NHL experience to Pittsburgh, with career totals of 84 goals and 174 assists for 258 points across stints with the Wild, Arizona Coyotes, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Dallas.
On the other side of the deal, the Stars receive 24-year-old Vladislav Kolyachonok. The Belarusian defenceman was acquired by Pittsburgh via waivers from the Utah organization just last February. Kolyachonok played 35 games combined last season, tallying two goals and five assists. His NHL experience totals 74 career games with four goals and 14 assists.
From Dallas` perspective, a significant factor in this trade appears to be financial. Kolyachonok has one year remaining on his contract with a far more modest salary of $775,000. This substantial difference in cap hit provides the Stars with valuable salary cap flexibility heading into the offseason.
For Pittsburgh, the trade brings in a more experienced defenceman in Dumba, potentially adding a physical element to their backend. The inclusion of a 2028 second-round pick also represents an investment in the future, offsetting the acquisition of an older player.
In essence, this trade highlights differing priorities. Dallas, seeking immediate cap relief and a younger, cost-controlled asset, moves a veteran defenceman whose role had diminished. Pittsburgh adds a player with playoff experience (albeit not recent) and a future draft pick, making a move that seems to balance short-term addition with a nod to future asset accumulation. The revolving door continues for Matt Dumba, while Kolyachonok gets a fresh start and increased cap implications ripple through the league.
Trade Summary
- To Pittsburgh Penguins: Defenceman Matt Dumba, 2028 2nd-Round Draft Pick
- To Dallas Stars: Defenceman Vladislav Kolyachonok
