Vancouver Canucks Trade Arturs Silovs to Pittsburgh Penguins

In a significant move within the NHL, the Vancouver Canucks have traded goaltender Arturs Silovs to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for forward Chase Stillman and a fourth-round pick in the 2027 NHL Entry Draft. The announcement was made by Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin on July 13, 2025, after Silovs' standout performance that led the Abbotsford Canucks to win the Calder Cup, where he was named the playoff MVP.

Arturs Silovs, drafted in the sixth round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, has been a part of the Canucks' system for six years. His recent success in the AHL, including a .931 save percentage and five shutouts during the playoffs, showcased his potential. However, 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 Penguins, facing a gap in their goaltending depth after trading Alex Nedeljkovic to the San Jose Sharks, see Silovs as a viable option to back up Tristan Jarry. While Jarry struggled last season with an .893 save percentage, Silovs has the opportunity to step into a critical role. According to reports, 23-year-old Joel Blomqvist, who had an .885 save percentage in 15 starts, may not pose a significant challenge for Silovs, who is now exempt from waivers, allowing him to compete directly for the backup spot.

The trade comes at a time when the Canucks are consolidating their goaltending roster, having invested heavily in Thatcher Demko and Kevin Lankinen. President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford emphasized that the team had too many goaltenders, stating, "We’ve got things lined up here. Our plan going forward is to go with Demko and Lankinen. As well as Silovs played, he could be the odd guy out."

Despite Silovs' impressive playoff run, his inconsistent performance in the NHL raised concerns about his readiness for a full-time backup role. The Canucks had to act proactively to avoid exposing him to waivers, potentially resulting in losing him for nothing. This trade reflects a broader trend of NHL teams managing their rosters proactively.

In return for Silovs, the Canucks acquired Chase Stillman, a former first-round pick of the New Jersey Devils. At 22 years old, Stillman has shown promise but has yet to establish himself as a consistent offensive contributor. His best season in the OHL peaked at 49 points in 59 games, and his recent AHL performance saw him score just four goals and 12 points in 65 games. Stillman is viewed as a reclamation project, with the potential to develop into a hardworking fourth-line player for the Canucks. According to scouting reports, he possesses a high motor and an energetic playing style, but his future success remains uncertain.

The acquisition of a fourth-round pick adds depth to the Canucks' draft strategy, as they now hold three fourth-round picks in the 2027 draft. Historically, fourth-round picks have yielded limited results for the Canucks, with few reaching significant milestones in the NHL. However, the Canucks are hopeful that additional picks may allow them to uncover hidden talent in the upcoming draft.

In conclusion, the trade of Arturs Silovs represents a strategic decision by the Vancouver Canucks to streamline their goaltending depth while also aiming to reinvigorate their roster through the acquisition of Chase Stillman. The implications of this trade will unfold as both players seek to establish their positions within their new teams in the upcoming NHL season.