The Flyers have acquired defenseman Christian Kyrou from the Stars in exchange for winger Samu Tuomaala, per announcements from both clubs. Both players were assigned to their respective teams’ AHL affiliates, so no corresponding moves are needed.
The puck-moving Kyrou will add some speed and upside to the Flyers’ pool of defense prospects. He’s still just 22 years old but has had an awkward last couple of years in the Stars’ system. The 5’11” righty was a second-round pick by Dallas in 2022 and clicked at over a point per game in his final season of junior hockey, but he hasn’t been able to find consistency since turning pro. Kyrou’s first year saw him record eight goals and 23 points in 57 games for AHL Texas, but his offense has slid from there. His output dropped to 15 points in 36 games last year, and he’s gone without a point through his first four games of the season for Texas. He’s also a -12 for his career in the minors.
Kyrou was still something of a notable name in a weak Dallas prospect pool. He was the No. 5-ranked player in the system by Steven Ellis of Daily Faceoff and the top right-handed defenseman. With their minor-league affiliate winless through six games and struggling to produce offense, though, they opted to part ways with the plateauing Kyrou and swap him out for some forward help.
As for why the Flyers moved on from Tuomaala, it’s quite apparent. The 2021 second-rounder had put up good point totals for AHL Lehigh Valley over the past two seasons but has tumbled down the organizational depth chart to begin 2025-26. He was one of the club’s first cuts from training camp and has fallen into healthy scratch territory with the Phantoms, only playing in three of eight games so far this year and going without a point.
Tuomaala’s previous track record makes him an intriguing pickup for Dallas, though, and one still with NHL upside. The 22-year-old Finn has a 26-49–75 scoring line in 120 career appearances for Lehigh Valley and was an AHL All-Star in 2023-24. He was also the top player in Finland’s second-tier pro league, Mestis, the year prior, scoring 27 goals and 48 points in just 31 appearances for Peliitat and Ketterä in 2022-23.
Neither player has made their NHL debut, and they’re both in the final seasons of their entry-level contracts. They’re also both not eligible for arbitration when they reach restricted free agency next summer.