Stars Add Speed to AHL Lineup by Acquiring Samu Tuomaala From the Flyers

FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Stars have made a move to bolster their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Texas Stars, by acquiring forward Samu Tuomaala from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for defenseman Christian Kyrou. The announcement was made today by Dallas Stars General Manager Jim Nill.

Tuomaala, 22, is a राइट-विंग player known for his offensive capabilities and was originally drafted by the Flyers in the second round (46th overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft. The Oulu, Finland native has spent the majority of his professional career with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the Flyers' AHL affiliate. In 118 career AHL games, Tuomaala has recorded 26 goals and 49 assists.

This season, Tuomaala has played three games for the Phantoms, registering zero points with a plus-minus rating of +1. During the 2024-25 campaign, he tallied 32 points (11 goals, 21 assists) in 46 games, placing him third on the team in assists, tied for fourth in points, and tenth in goals.

"Samu is a skilled forward with good speed and offensive instincts," said Nill. "We believe he will be a valuable addition to our AHL team in Texas and will provide depth to our prospect pool"

Kyrou, also 22, was drafted by the Dallas Stars in the second round (50th overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft. The younger brother of St. Louis Blues forward Jordan Kyrou, Christian has played three seasons with the Texas Stars, amassing 12 goals and 26 assists in 97 career games. In his AHL debut season (2023-24), Kyrou recorded eight goals and 15 assists for 23 points in 57 games. His production dipped slightly in the following season, with four goals and 11 assists.

The trade provides both players with a fresh start and a change of scenery as they continue to develop their skills in the AHL. Tuomaala will report to the Texas Stars, while Kyrou will join the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.

Analysts suggest that this trade addresses specific needs for both organizations. The Stars gain a speedy forward to add offensive punch to their AHL lineup, while the Flyers acquire a defenseman with offensive upside. With a crowded prospect pool at wing, Tuomaala’s path to the NHL roster in Philadelphia appeared limited, making him expendable. Kyrou, known for his offensive defenseman play style, will get a chance to prove himself in the Flyers organization.