Dallas Stars begin training camp in Frisco under Glen Gulutzan, welcoming a veteran roster that aims to finally push past the Western Conference finals. Roster decisions loom for a seventh defenseman and a potential 23rd forward as the new staff tries to mesh with a group built to win a Stanley Cup.

Defense battles center on Alexander Petrovic, Kyle Capobianco and Vladislav Kolyachonok, while Wyatt Johnston, Oskar Bäck and Arttu Hyry push for NHL roles. Health is in focus after last season's injuries, with updates on Roope Hintz, Miro Heiskanen and Jake Oettinger guiding expectations for opening night.

Vladislav Kolyachonok joins the Dallas Stars as a promising depth defenseman as Jim Nill aims to bolster the roster for the 2025-26 NHL season. With 74 NHL games under his belt, Kolyachonok recorded 4 goals and 10 assists, showcasing his ability to contribute offensively while also demonstrating solid defensive skills, highlighted by 75 blocked shots in his career. Last season, he reached a personal best with 35 appearances, netting 7 points and averaging substantial ice time. The key trade that brought him from Pittsburgh to Dallas involved offloading Matt Dumba's contract, aiding the Stars in becoming cap compliant.

Kolyachonok's unique background as one of the few active Belarusian players in the NHL adds an intriguing narrative to his career, as he continues to adapt and grow within the league. His pronunciation, “koh-lee-ah-CHOHN-ahk,” is considered a fun fact among fans, and he will also be recognized in the roster for having the longest last name. With a favorable contract at the league minimum, Kolyachonok's addition could provide essential depth for the Stars' defensive lineup, which could be pivotal for their playoff aspirations.

The Dallas Stars made a move to strengthen their blue line by trading Matt Dumba to the Pittsburgh Penguins, acquiring Vladislav Kolyachonok and a second-round pick for 2028 in return. Dumba, who signed a two-year, $7.5 million contract last season, was unable to make a significant impact, finishing the regular season with just one goal and nine assists across 63 games, and being a healthy scratch in the playoffs. This trade marks Dumba's fourth team in three seasons after a decade with the Minnesota Wild.

Kolyachonok joins the Stars after spending last season with the Penguins and the Utah Grizzlies, where he recorded two goals and five assists over 35 games. The 24-year-old defenseman, who began his career in 2021-22, has shown promise with a total of 14 points in 74 career games, and the Stars are hopeful he can contribute effectively as they look to enhance their defensive depth moving forward.

The Dallas Stars have traded defenseman Matt Dumba to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Vladislav Kolyachonok and a second-round pick in 2028. This move helps the Stars become cap compliant, shedding Dumba's $3.75 million cap hit with just under $2 million remaining to add a final forward. Dumba, who struggled last season, serving as a healthy scratch during the playoffs, was seen as a potential buyout candidate. Kolyachonok, a younger player on a minimum contract, will likely compete for a depth role on the defense.

Mathew Dumba has been traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins from the Dallas Stars in a deal that includes a second-round draft pick in the 2028 NHL Draft. Last season, Dumba recorded 10 points (one goal, nine assists) while averaging 15:18 of ice time over 63 games. Dumba, a veteran defenseman, boasts 258 points in 737 NHL games and has one season left on his contract at an average annual value of $3.75 million. In exchange, the Penguins sent Vladislav Kolyachonok to Dallas, who had a modest output of seven points in 35 games last season.