Penguins Trade for Ilya Solovyov, Send Valtteri Puustinen to Avalanche
The Pittsburgh Penguins recently made a significant trade, acquiring defenseman Ilya Solovyov from the Colorado Avalanche. In this transaction, the Penguins sent forward Valtteri Puustinen to the Avalanche. This move highlights the teams’ strategic adjustments as the season progresses.
Ilya Solovyov: Stats and Performance
Ilya Solovyov, a 25-year-old Belarusian defenseman, has shown steady performance in the NHL. This season, he has appeared in 16 games for the Avalanche, contributing one goal and two assists. Averaging 11:34 in ice time per game, he stepped up after being called up from the AHL to replace injured player Devon Toews.
Previously drafted by the Calgary Flames, Solovyov was selected 205th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft. Throughout his career, he has accumulated one goal and six assists across 31 NHL games.
Valtteri Puustinen: Overview
Valtteri Puustinen has been a consistent presence in the AHL this season, playing for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Over the course of 35 games, he has recorded seven goals and 19 assists, showcasing his offensive capabilities.
NHL Career Highlights
- Drafted 203rd overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2019.
- Career AHL totals: 7 goals and 19 assists in the 2025-26 season.
- NHL performance: 7 goals and 17 assists in 66 games.
This trade emphasizes the ongoing development and shifts within both teams as they aim for success in the NHL season. Fans will be eager to see how Solovyov will contribute to the Penguins’ defensive lineup moving forward.
