In a move addressing organizational depth and clearing a logjam in their crease, the Vancouver Canucks have traded goaltender Arturs Silovs to the Pittsburgh Penguins. The transaction, completed on Sunday, sees the Canucks acquire forward Chase Stillman and a fourth-round selection in the 2027 NHL Entry Draft.
Silovs, a 24-year-old Latvian netminder, had rapidly ascended within the Canucks` system. While his NHL appearances were limited (10 games, 2-6-1 record with a .861 save percentage and 3.65 goals-against average), he proved to be a dominant force at the American Hockey League level. With the Abbotsford Canucks, he posted a solid 14-5-1 record with a .908 save percentage and a career-best 2.41 GAA in the regular season.
His most notable achievement came in the AHL playoffs, where he backstopped Abbotsford to a Calder Cup championship. His playoff run was nothing short of spectacular, featuring a 16-7 record, a stellar 2.01 GAA, a .931 save percentage, and five shutouts. His exceptional performance earned him playoff MVP honors, cementing his status as a top goaltending prospect.
However, with Thatcher Demko and Kevin Lankinen holding down the NHL goaltending spots on long-term contracts, Silovs faced a significant obstacle to becoming a regular in Vancouver. The trade provides him with a fresh start and potentially a clearer path to the NHL in Pittsburgh`s system.
Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin commented on the trade, acknowledging Silovs` contributions. “We would like to thank Arturs for everything he has done for the hockey club, including helping Abbotsford win the Calder Cup,” Allvin stated. “We wanted to give him an opportunity elsewhere as we feel we are very well positioned in goal at the NHL, AHL, and developmental level. Acquiring a future pick and depth forward will add to our organizational depth.” The statement underscores the team`s confidence in their existing goaltending pipeline while highlighting the strategic value of acquiring assets in exchange for a player whose path to the NHL roster was constricted.
In return, Vancouver receives Chase Stillman. Stillman, a forward, split the past season between the AHL`s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and the Utica Comets. He registered 12 points over 65 games in the AHL. Once a first-round hopeful, selected 18th overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2021 NHL Draft, Stillman now joins the Canucks organization looking to find his stride and contribute to their forward depth, alongside the valuable addition of a future draft pick.
Trade Summary:
- Vancouver Acquires:
- F Chase Stillman
- 2027 Fourth-Round Pick
- Pittsburgh Acquires:
- G Arturs Silovs
This trade represents a calculated move for both organizations. Pittsburgh gains a highly-touted goaltending prospect coming off significant success, potentially solving a future need in their crease. Vancouver, meanwhile, leverages its goaltending strength to address requirements elsewhere in the roster and pipeline, securing a former first-round pick and valuable draft capital.