Penguins Trade for Defenseman Ilya Solovyov in Deal with Avalanche
The Pittsburgh Penguins have officially acquired Ilya Solovyov, a defenseman, from the Colorado Avalanche. The trade, announced by Penguins’ President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Kyle Dubas, involves Valtteri Puustinen and a seventh-round draft pick in 2026.
Details of the Trade
- Player Acquired: Ilya Solovyov
- Team Traded From: Colorado Avalanche
- Players Traded: Valtteri Puustinen
- Draft Pick: 2026 seventh-round pick
Ilya Solovyov’s Profile
Solovyov is a 25-year-old defenseman currently signed through the 2025-26 season. He has an average annual salary of $775,000.
Performance Metrics
This season, Solovyov has played for both the Avalanche and their AHL affiliate, the Colorado Eagles. His performance includes:
- NHL Games Played: 16
- Goals: 1
- Assists: 2
- Total Points: 3
- AHL Games Played: 3
Over five professional seasons in North America, starting in 2021-22, Solovyov has competed in 232 AHL games. His AHL career statistics include:
- Total Goals: 18
- Total Assists: 51
- Total Points: 69
Previous Experience
In his NHL journey, Solovyov has played in 31 games, amassing seven points from one goal and six assists. He previously joined Dinamo Minsk in the KHL for the 2020-21 season, where he recorded nine points over 41 games.
Before his professional career, Solovyov played in the Ontario Hockey League with the Saginaw Spirit for the 2019-20 season, accumulating 40 points from seven goals and 33 assists in 53 games.
International Representation
The Mogilev, Belarus native has represented his country on international stages, including:
- 2018 World Under-18 Championship
- 2021 World Championship
Draft Information
Solovyov was drafted in the seventh round of the 2020 NHL Draft by the Calgary Flames, 205th overall.
With this acquisition of Ilya Solovyov, the Pittsburgh Penguins strengthen their defensive roster as they aim for a successful season ahead.
