The Dallas Stars acquired forward Samu Tuomaala from the Philadelphia Flyers on Oct. 30 in exchange for defenseman Christian Kyrou. Tuomaala, a 22-year-old from Oulu, Finland, was immediately assigned to the Texas Stars in the AHL. Kyrou, also 22, will report to the Flyers' AHL affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
The trade bolsters Dallas's prospect pool with Tuomaala's speed and scoring potential. Drafted 46th overall by Philadelphia in the 2021 NHL Draft, Tuomaala has recorded 75 points (26 goals, 49 assists) in 120 career AHL games, all with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. In the 2024-25 season, he posted 32 points (11 goals, 21 assists) in 46 games, ranking third on the team in assists and tied for fourth in points. This season, he has zero points in three games with a plus-minus of +1.
Tuomaala's background includes strong international play, earning a Media All-Star nod at the 2021 IIHF U18 World Championship with 11 points in seven games. He developed in Finland's Kärpät system, had brief time in Liiga with Jukurit, and excelled in Mestis with Imatran Ketterä, tallying 46 points in 29 games. At 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, he brings NHL-level skating, rush threat capabilities, and power-play shooting to Texas's middle six.
In return, the Flyers receive Kyrou, selected 50th overall by Dallas in the 2022 NHL Draft. The 5-foot-11, 173-pound defenseman from Toronto has 38 points (12 goals, 26 assists) in 97 AHL games with the Texas Stars. During 2023-24, he led Texas defensemen in power-play goals with three and ranked second in points with 23 (8 goals, 15 assists). In 2024-25, he had 15 points (4 goals, 11 assists) in 36 games with 47 shots on goal. This season, he has zero points in four games and eight shots on goal. Kyrou also notched seven points (1 goal, 6 assists) in seven Calder Cup Playoff games.
The move addresses Dallas's needs for even-strength scoring and game management, while Philadelphia gains defensive depth in the AHL.