Avalanche Trade Ilya Solovyov to Pittsburgh

Ilya Solovyov is on his way to Pittsburgh. The Avalanche traded the 25-year-old defenseman to the Penguins in exchange for forward Valtteri Puustinen and a 2026 seventh-round draft pick.

Solovyov was a waiver claim in October. He appeared in 16 games for Colorado this season, scoring a goal and adding two assists. Solyvov was one of the Avs’ sixth healthy defensemen before the trade. He played on Monday against the Washington Capitals.

With him gone, and Puustinen a forward primed for AHL minutes, the team is expected to call up a defenseman for Wednesday’s matchup.

Head coach Jared Bednar said Devon Toews is close but unlikely to play Wednesday. Bednar also referenced some of his AHL defensemen who have been playing well, specifically Jack Ahcan, as an option for that last spot until Toews is ready to return.

Puustinen, 26, last played in the NHL during the 2024-25 season, appearing in 13 games and recording three points. He had five goals and 20 points in 52 games the previous season.

Puustinen has seven goals and 26 points in 39 AHL games for the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins this year.