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.