Dallas Stars Trade Deadline Review

Trade 1 – February 25 with Colorado Avalanche – Thumbs Up

DAL acquires:
F Mikael Granlund

DAL trades away:
Year 2026 DAL Round 1 
Year 2026 DAL Round 3
Prospect: Charlie Elick
F Cameron Butler

One of the biggest holes the Dallas Stars faced during the season was at their second line center position. Although they’d shipped out a first round pick for William Karlsson in the offseason, his output was uneven and seemed better suited for a third line shutdown role. So the Stars went out and got playmaking center Mikael Granlund, prying him from division rival Colorado. Although the price was steep, the Stars liked that his contract extends another 2 seasons at a reasonable $6M AAV. He’s expected to be the second line center once again in 2026-27.

Trade 2 – March 2 with Tampa Bay Lightning – Thumbs Up

DAL acquires:
D Chris Tanev

DAL trades away: 
Year 2027 DAL Round 3
F William Carrier

For years, General Manager cjo13 has wanted to bring RIT alum Chris Tanev to the Dallas Stars. Finally the opportunity presented itself, and the fit couldn’t be more perfect. The Stars lacked a dynamic, stay-at-home defenseman like Tanev on their blueline. His steady play in the regular season solidified the Stars over the stretch, although he did face some challenges in the playoffs. He is a pending UFA this offseason but may be someone the Stars look to bring back. 

Trade 3 – March 6 with New York Rangers – Thumbs Down

DAL acquires:
D Darren Raddysh

DAL trades away: 
Year 2027 DAL Round 1

The Dallas Stars, sensing the chance to make a true playoff run by taking a big swing, unfortunately whiffed with Raddysh. His surprised breakout in 2025-26 did not carry over to Dallas, where he did manage 10 Assists in 20 regular season games but struggled otherwise. He was a -7 with 8 PIM, then was on the ice for far too many goals against in the playoffs despite playing a sheltered role. The Stars mortgaged the future for Raddysh and got a spoiled bite in return. 

Trade 4 – March 8 with Winnipeg Jets – Thumbs Up

DAL acquires:
F Yanni Gourde
Year 2028 WPG Round 7

DAL trades away: 
Year 2026 DAL Round 4
Year 2026 TOR Round 5
Year 2026 TBL Round 7

After over a decade, Yanni Gourde returned to the Dallas organization where he is one of the few remaining active players from when General Manager cjo13 took over in the 2014-15 season. It took a number of draft picks from division rival Winnipeg, but ultimately the Stars got the impact 4th line center their team was lacking. He made immediate contributions in the physical game, penalty kill, and faceoff circle. 

Trade 5 – March 8 with New York Islanders – Thumbs Down

DAL acquires:
Year 2027 NYI Round 7

DAL trades away: 
D Scott Perunovich

Just two years prior on the trade deadline day, the Dallas Stars acquired D Scott Perunovich for the price of a third round pick and a sixth round pick. Now, they salvage a 7th round pick a year out in return for him. The Stars hoped he’d reach his untapped potential at 25, but he just wasn’t as dynamic in the RHL as he was when he won the NCAA’s Hobey Baker award in 2020. He saw 9 games with the Stars as their eighth defenseman, but struggled to a -8 with just one point over that stretch. He became expendable with the trades for Tanev and Raddysh.