In a notable move during the NHL offseason, the Dallas Stars have traded veteran defenseman Matt Dumba along with a 2028 second-round draft pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for defenseman Vladislav Kolyachonok. The trade, finalized on Thursday, July 10, 2025, marks a significant roster adjustment for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Matt Dumba, 30, signed a two-year, $7.5 million contract with the Stars in the 2024 offseason, but his tenure in Dallas did not pan out as hoped. During the 2024-25 season, Dumba’s production dipped considerably, recording just one goal and nine assists over 63 games, totaling 10 points. This was the lowest goal output for Dumba since his rookie season in 2013-14 when he scored one goal in 13 games. His average ice time also declined to about 15:18 per game, and he finished the season with a minus-five rating, reflecting struggles on the ice.
Perhaps most telling was Dumba’s absence during the 2025 playoffs, where he was a healthy scratch for all 18 games as the Stars fell in the Western Conference final for the third straight year. The decision to sideline him during such a critical stretch highlighted the team’s lack of confidence in his current form. Prior to joining Dallas, Dumba had a strong reputation, especially from his years with the Minnesota Wild, where he was a top-pairing defenseman and posted career highs in the 2017-18 season with 14 goals, 36 assists, and 50 points. However, injuries and a decline in offensive production have hampered his recent seasons.
Over his 12-season NHL career, Dumba has played 737 regular-season games, accumulating 84 goals and 174 assists for 258 points. He also brings 54 Stanley Cup Playoff games of experience, contributing 15 points in those high-pressure contests. Internationally, Dumba has represented Team Canada at various levels, winning gold at the 2014 World Junior Championship and bronze at the 2012 World Under-18 Championship.
From a financial perspective, Dumba’s $3.75 million cap hit was a significant factor in the Stars’ decision to move him. The trade relieves Dallas of this salary, bringing them back under the NHL salary cap after being approximately $1.79 million over the limit. Following the trade, the Stars reportedly have just under $2 million in cap space, allowing them to pursue additional roster moves, particularly for forwards, to complete their lineup.
In return, the Stars acquired Vladislav Kolyachonok, a 24-year-old left-shot defenseman entering the final year of his two-year contract, which carries a league minimum salary of $775,000. Kolyachonok spent the 2024-25 season split between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Utah Mammoth, appearing in 35 NHL games and recording seven points (two goals). His career, which began in the 2021-22 season when Utah was still based in Arizona, has seen him play 74 NHL games with a total of 14 points (four goals and 10 assists).
Though Kolyachonok’s ice time and impact have been limited, his youth and lower salary make him an appealing depth option for the Stars. He is expected to compete for a spot on Dallas' blue line during training camp, likely vying with veteran Alexander Petrovic for the final roster slot. The Stars’ current defensive corps includes two right-shot defensemen, Ilya Lyubushkin and Nils Lundkvist, while left-shot players like Miro Heiskanen, Esa Lindell, Thomas Harley, and Lian Bichsel fill out the left side. Heiskanen is anticipated to continue playing on his non-dominant side, highlighting the team’s need for versatile defenders.
For the Pittsburgh Penguins, acquiring Dumba adds an experienced defenseman with a proven track record, though his role on the team remains uncertain. The Penguins already have several right-shot defenders ahead of Dumba on the depth chart, including Connor Clifton, Erik Karlsson, and Kris Letang. Karlsson, however, is considered trade bait this summer, which may open opportunities for Dumba. If not, Dumba could find himself starting the season as a healthy scratch or even on waivers.
The Penguins also received the 2028 second-round draft pick from Dallas, bolstering their prospect pool with 10 selections in that draft alone. This accumulation of picks is part of Pittsburgh’s broader strategy to build depth and future talent, as they currently hold 29 draft picks over the next three NHL drafts, including 17 in the first three rounds.
While the trade does not include any salary retention, it represents a strategic cap move for Dallas and a calculated gamble for Pittsburgh. The Stars benefit by shedding a sizable contract and acquiring a younger, more affordable player, while the Penguins add veteran presence and future draft capital.
This trade is one of several notable moves in the NHL offseason. On the same day, the Toronto Maple Leafs traded Ryan Reaves to the San Jose Sharks for defenseman Henry Thrun, while earlier in July, the Carolina Hurricanes acquired defenseman K'Andre Miller from the New York Rangers, signing him to an eight-year contract. Additionally, the Vegas Golden Knights made headlines by signing Mitch Marner to an eight-year, $96 million deal after acquiring him from Toronto.
As the NHL offseason progresses, teams continue to maneuver through trades and signings to balance salary cap constraints with roster needs. The Stars’ trade of Dumba for Kolyachonok exemplifies this dynamic, as Dallas looks to retool its defense while managing financial flexibility.
With training camps approaching, both the Stars and Penguins will be keen to see how their new acquisitions fit into their respective systems. For Dumba, it’s a chance to revive his NHL career in Pittsburgh, while Kolyachonok will aim to establish himself as a reliable option on Dallas’ blue line. Fans will be watching closely to see who emerges from these roster changes ready to make an impact in the 2025-26 NHL season.
