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Boston Bruins acquire a defenseman from the Dallas Stars: A statement was just made

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Austin Sabourin
December 18, 2025 (9:59)

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After Boston claimed Kolyachonok off waivers, head coach Marco Sturm was asked why the Bruins felt now was the right time to add the 24-year-old defenseman.

Sturm's answer was simple and revealing. Depth, flexibility, and style fit.

Boston has been dealing with constant turnover on the blue line, and Sturm acknowledged the team needed another option who could handle NHL minutes without disrupting structure.

Sturm pointed to Kolyachonok's ability to move the puck efficiently and play within a system, traits the Bruins value heavily, especially with younger defensemen already being leaned on.

The timing mattered too. Injuries to Jonathan Aspirot and others forced Boston to think proactively rather than reactively.

Kolyachonok's NHL experience, 85 career games across multiple organizations, also played a role in the decision.

«That's why we kind of picked him up,» Sturm said on Wednesday. «We needed some extra help, we are running really thin right now, and didn't want to get in trouble, getting one injury away.

«We felt like he will be a good addition to our D-group. (General manager Don Sweeney) and his staff were scouting him for the last little bit. Seems like a good kid.»

Why Vladislav Kolyachonok fits Bruins needs

Boston is not asking Kolyachonok to be a top pairing defenseman. They are asking him to defend efficiently, move the puck north, and avoid costly mistakes.

Sturm also noted that competition is healthy, and adding Kolyachonok creates internal pressure without forcing anyone out prematurely.

That aligns with how the Bruins have operated under his leadership.

The coach emphasized that Kolyachonok's skating and decision making stood out in evaluation, especially in limited minutes with Dallas.

Boston believes they can plug Kolyachonok into situations where reliability matters and let the rest of the lineup breathe a little.

For Sturm, it was a straightforward hockey decision. Add depth, protect the group, and give the team another trustworthy option.

Sometimes the smartest moves are the ones that do not make noise. This was one of them.

Previously on Boston Hockey Insider

Newly acquired Boston Bruins defenseman reveals his true colours towards the organization

Marco Sturm explains why a key Boston Bruins forward was missing from practice

Former Boston Bruin Milan Lucic officially signs a new contract: Per Frank Seravalli

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Boston Bruins acquire a defenseman from the Dallas Stars: A statement was just made

After Boston claimed Kolyachonok off waivers, head coach Marco Sturm was asked why the Bruins felt now was the right time to add the 24-year-old defenseman.

Why Vladislav Kolyachonok fits Bruins needs

Are you a fan of this acquisition by the Boston Bruins