Pittsburgh Penguins Trade for Arturs Silovs
In a strategic move to bolster their goaltending lineup, the Pittsburgh Penguins have made a trade with the Vancouver Canucks, bringing in 24-year-old netminder Arturs Silovs. The Penguins offered forward Chase Stillman along with a fourth-round draft pick for the year 2027 in exchange for the promising goalie.
Silovs’ Performance and Potential
Silovs, a towering presence at 6 feet 4 inches, has had a limited presence in the NHL, having played only 10 games for the Canucks last season. However, his performance in the American Hockey League (AHL) showcased his potential. He played a pivotal role in guiding the Abbotsford Canucks to the Calder Cup Championship, where he was named the playoff MVP.
In the AHL regular season, Silovs recorded an impressive 14 wins against 5 losses and 2 overtime losses, boasting a save percentage of .908 and a strong goals-against average (GAA) of 2.41.
Playoff Success
During the playoffs, he further elevated his game, achieving a remarkable 16 wins alongside a stellar 2.01 GAA and an exceptional .931 save percentage over 24 playoff appearances. Notably, with five shutouts, Silovs narrowly missed setting an AHL single postseason shutout record, and he secured his place in history as only the fourth goaltender to win playoff MVP honors.
Contract and Career Overview
Silovs is under contract until the end of the 2025-26 season, and throughout his five seasons in the AHL, he has maintained a solid overall record of 59 wins, 35 losses, and 13 overtime losses, combined with a .906 save percentage and a GAA of 2.58.
In his time with Vancouver, he appeared in 19 NHL games, starting 18, and compiled a record of 8 wins and 8 losses, though his save percentage was a modest .880 with a GAA of 3.13. This trade marks a significant step for the Penguins as they look to strengthen their goaltending depth heading into the upcoming season.
