Penguins Acquire Ilya Solovyov from Avalanche in Trade

The Pittsburgh Penguins have announced the acquisition of defenseman Ilya Solovyov from the Colorado Avalanche. In exchange, the Penguins have sent forward Valtteri Puustinen and a seventh-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft to Colorado. This trade was confirmed by Kyle Dubas, President of Hockey Operations and General Manager of the Penguins.

Penguins acquire Ilya Solovyov from Avalanche for Valtteri PuustinenAvalanche acquire PuustinenPenguins Acquire Defenseman Ilya Solovyov from the Colorado Avalanche in Exchange for Valtteri Puustinen and a 2026 Seventh-Round Draft Pick

Ilya Solovyov, 25, has been a part of the Avalanche's roster this season, contributing one goal and two assists in 16 games while averaging 11:34 of ice time per game. He has also spent time with the Colorado Eagles, the Avalanche's American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, where he played three games this season. Solovyov, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 209 pounds, has a professional career spanning five seasons in North America, during which he has played 232 AHL games and recorded 18 goals and 51 assists. He was originally drafted by the Calgary Flames in the seventh round (205th overall) of the 2020 NHL Draft.

Penguins Acquire Defenseman Ilya Solovyov from the Colorado Avalanche in Exchange for Valtteri Puustinen and a 2026 Seventh-Round Draft PickAvalanche acquire PuustinenPenguins acquire Ilya Solovyov from Avalanche for Valtteri Puustinen

Valtteri Puustinen, the player traded to Colorado, has been active in the AHL this season, recording seven goals and 19 assists in 35 games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Over five seasons in the AHL, he has accumulated 175 points from 72 goals and 103 assists in 252 games. Puustinen was drafted by the Penguins in the seventh round of the 2019 NHL Draft and has played 66 games in the NHL, scoring seven goals and 17 assists.

Avalanche acquire PuustinenPenguins acquire Ilya Solovyov from Avalanche for Valtteri PuustinenPenguins Acquire Defenseman Ilya Solovyov from the Colorado Avalanche in Exchange for Valtteri Puustinen and a 2026 Seventh-Round Draft Pick

This trade is seen as a move to bolster the Penguins' defensive depth as they navigate the current season. Solovyov's experience in both the NHL and AHL may provide the Penguins with additional options on the blue line, especially as they deal with injuries and roster adjustments.

Penguins acquire Ilya Solovyov from Avalanche for Valtteri Puustinen

Conversely, the Avalanche's acquisition of Puustinen adds offensive depth to their AHL affiliate, the Colorado Eagles. His performance in the AHL could potentially translate to opportunities in the NHL, depending on his development and the team's needs.

Avalanche acquire Puustinen

Kyle Dubas stated, "We believe Ilya Solovyov will add valuable depth to our defensive lineup." Meanwhile, the Avalanche expressed optimism about Puustinen's potential, noting his strong performance in the AHL this season.

Avalanche acquire Puustinen

Some analysts have questioned the trade from the perspective of the Penguins, suggesting that giving up a promising forward like Puustinen could be a risk, especially if he continues to develop in Colorado. Critics argue that the Penguins may have prioritized immediate defensive needs over long-term offensive potential.

Penguins acquire Ilya Solovyov from Avalanche for Valtteri Puustinen

This trade marks a strategic shift for both teams as they aim to enhance their rosters for the remainder of the season.

Penguins acquire Ilya Solovyov from Avalanche for Valtteri Puustinen