In a significant move impacting their goaltending pipeline, the Vancouver Canucks have traded goaltender Arturs Silovs to the Pittsburgh Penguins. The transaction, finalized on Saturday, sees the Canucks acquire forward Chase Stillman and a fourth-round selection in the 2027 NHL Entry Draft in exchange for the Latvian netminder.
Silovs, a name that became synonymous with playoff heroics for the AHL`s Abbotsford Canucks, departs Vancouver after a tenure highlighted by a spectacular run to a Calder Cup championship. The 24-year-old was the backbone of Abbotsford`s playoff success, posting an impressive 16-7 record with a sparkling 2.01 goals-against average and a .931 save percentage, along with five shutouts, en route to being named playoff MVP – a rare honor for a goaltender.
While his AHL performance was stellar (14-5-1, .908 SV%, 2.41 GAA in 21 regular-season games last season), Silovs` path to a permanent NHL role in Vancouver faced congestion. With Thatcher Demko and Kevin Lankinen secured on long-term contracts, the opportunity for consistent NHL minutes appeared limited. This trade provides Silovs with a fresh start in an organization that may offer a clearer trajectory to the sport`s highest level.
Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin commented on the trade, acknowledging Silovs` contributions, particularly to the Abbotsford club`s success. He indicated the move was partly motivated by providing Silovs with an opportunity elsewhere, given Vancouver`s perceived depth at the goaltending position across all levels of their system. The acquisition of a future pick and a forward also bolsters the organization`s depth.
Coming back to Vancouver is Chase Stillman. The 21-year-old forward split time last season between the Penguins` AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and the Utica Comets. He registered 12 points over 65 AHL games. Stillman is a former first-round draft pick, selected 29th overall by the New Jersey Devils in 2021, adding some intriguing draft pedigree to the Canucks` forward pool.
The inclusion of a 2027 fourth-round pick provides Vancouver with a future asset, a standard component in trades designed to balance current value with future potential. For Pittsburgh, the move represents a chance to acquire a goaltender who has demonstrated exceptional performance under pressure at the AHL level, hoping that potential translates to the NHL.
This transaction marks the end of Silovs` time with the Canucks organization, seeing the popular playoff figure move east while Vancouver acquires future assets and depth in return, addressing their goaltending situation in a significant way.
Tristan Blackwood