Calgary Flames Acquire Defenceman Gavin White in Trade with Dallas Stars
The Calgary Flames and Dallas Stars have completed a trade involving minor-league defencemen, with Gavin White heading to Calgary and Jeremie Poirier moving to Dallas. The transaction was finalized on Monday, February 2, 2026, marking a strategic move for both NHL organizations as they continue to develop their prospect pipelines.
Details of the Trade Agreement
In this one-for-one swap, the Flames receive 23-year-old defenceman Gavin White, who will immediately report to the American Hockey League's Calgary Wranglers. White stands at 6 feet tall and weighs 196 pounds, bringing a steady defensive style and impressive skating ability to the Flames' organization. The Dallas Stars acquire 23-year-old left-handed defenceman Jeremie Poirier, who had been playing for the Wranglers.
White's Background and Potential
Gavin White brings championship experience to the Flames' system, having won back-to-back Ontario Hockey League titles with the Hamilton Bulldogs in 2022 and the Peterborough Petes in 2023. He also skated in the Memorial Cup final in 2022, though his Bulldogs were defeated by Poirier's Saint John Sea Dogs in that championship game. Now in his third professional season, White has appeared in 23 games with the Stars' AHL affiliate this season, recording three goals and two assists.
The Flames' coaching staff at the Saddledome are reportedly optimistic about White's development potential, particularly noting his skating ability, steady defensive play, and experience in high-pressure situations. However, with five right-shot defencemen already on Calgary's active NHL roster, White is not expected to be an immediate call-up candidate.
Poirier's Departure from Calgary
Jeremie Poirier leaves the Flames organization after demonstrating significant offensive capabilities at the AHL level. The left-handed defenceman was named to the AHL's All-Rookie Team in 2022-23 and led the Wranglers in assists last season with 37. Despite these impressive statistics, it had become apparent that Poirier did not factor into the Flames' long-term plans, prompting the trade to Dallas.
Both organizations believe this trade represents a beneficial change of scenery for the young defencemen, allowing each player to develop in a new system that may better suit their skills and career trajectories.
Contract Considerations and Future Implications
Gavin White is currently in the final year of his entry-level contract and will become a restricted free agent this summer, giving the Flames control over his rights as they evaluate his fit within their organization. This trade represents an opportunity for White to showcase his abilities in a new environment while providing Calgary with additional defensive depth in their minor-league system.
The transaction reflects the ongoing roster management strategies employed by NHL teams as they balance immediate needs with long-term development goals. For the Flames, acquiring White adds another promising young defenceman to their prospect pool, while the Stars gain an offensively-gifted blue-liner who has already demonstrated success at the AHL level.
