Stars

Dec 7, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) goaltender Casey Desmith (1) and defenseman Vladislav Kolyachonok (44) celebrate after the Stars defeat the Pittsburgh Penguins at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesCredit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

In less than a month, Dallas Stars fans went from missing somebody who was just put on waivers to a surprise signing.

That addition to the lineup was surprising, as one month earlier, that same player had been the unexpected addition to the Stars’ lineup.

Vladislav Kolyachonok might just develop a cult following amongst Dallas fans; now, a player who Stars fans all over the internet were sad to see leave.After he was reclaimed from waivers, Dallas fans rejoiced.Placed on Waivers

After bouncing back and forth between the AHL’s Texas Stars and Dallas, the Stars decided to place Kolyachonok on waivers. Playing 11 games total at the time with the parent organization at the AAC. The defenseman from Belarus started the season in the minors before appearing more regularly in Dallas.

On December 15th, the Stars placed Kolyachonok on waivers, to the dismay and confusion of Stars fans. His speed made him a good fit on a team that champions playing fast. On occasion, he plays a physical game too. One of the biggest known weaknesses the Stars are known for. Something the coach Glen Gulutzan has preached as something that needed to improve across the lineup over the off-season.

Claimed By Boston

On December 16th, one day after the Stars placed Kolyachonok on waivers, the defenseman was on his way to the Boston Bruins. Kolyachonok only played two games in Boston. After having zero points in his two games in Boston, the Bruins placed him on waivers on January 20th.

Boston thought they had something in this pickup. It just didn’t work out. Kolyachonok is a good player who is simply a better fit in Dallas.

Back to DallasCredit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

On January 21st, the Stars claimed Kolyachonok off waivers. One day, Boston placed him on waivers. Stars fans rejoice.

Nill added depth to defense by simply bringing someone back after only a month away.

Avoid (Re)Filled

There are a few things certain in life—death, taxes, and questions about the Stars’ defense and physicality.

When the Stars acquire, or in this case reacquire, somebody who fills two boxes in one, it’s always a good add.

Kolyachonok provides the Stars’ depth at defense, a commodity that all 32 NHL teams look for all the time.

Every team needs a few guys who can come in and out of the lineup during back-to-backs, injuries, fatigue, or when sparks are needed during a slump.

Tags: Boston Bruins Bruins dallas stars jim nill nhl stars Vladislav Kolyachonok

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