The Dallas Stars and Pittsburgh Penguins recently completed a trade involving defensemen, with Matt Dumba and a 2028 second-round pick heading to Pittsburgh in exchange for Vladislav Kolyachonok. Here's a breakdown of the trade and a look at how each team fares:
Pittsburgh Penguins:
The Penguins acquire a veteran defenseman in Dumba, who, at 30 years old, brings a wealth of experience to their blue line. Dumba has played in 737 regular-season games, amassing 84 goals and 174 assists. While his offensive production has declined in recent years, he had a career-high 50-point season in 2017-18. The Penguins are hoping he can regain some of that form and provide a boost to their offense from the back end. Dumba's contract has one year remaining at a $3.75 million average annual value.
Beyond his on-ice contributions, Dumba has a reputation as a strong leader and a positive influence in the locker room. This could be valuable for a Penguins team looking to integrate younger players and maintain a competitive environment. The addition of a second-round pick in 2028 also adds to the Penguins' future assets.
Dallas Stars:
The Stars receive Vladislav Kolyachonok, a 24-year-old defenseman with potential. Kolyachonok has one season remaining on his two-year contract. He split last season between the Penguins and the Utah Mammoth, recording two goals and five assists in 35 games.
This move appears to be primarily a salary dump for the Stars, who were looking to shed Dumba's $3.75 million cap hit. Dumba was a healthy scratch for all of Dallas' postseason games in 2025, indicating that he wasn't a key part of their plans. By trading him, the Stars gain some much-needed cap flexibility.
Kolyachonok is a decent skater and has shown flashes of offensive ability, but he's still relatively unproven at the NHL level. He'll have an opportunity to compete for a regular role on the Stars' blue line, but his long-term potential remains uncertain.
Overall Assessment:
This trade appears to be a win-win for both teams, albeit for different reasons. The Penguins get a veteran defenseman with leadership qualities and add a draft pick, while the Stars free up cap space and acquire a younger player with some potential. Whether Dumba can revitalize his career in Pittsburgh and whether Kolyachonok can develop into a reliable NHL defenseman will determine the long-term success of this trade for each team.
