The Pittsburgh Penguins acquired goaltender Arturs Silovs from the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday, sending a 2027 fourth-round draft pick and prospect Chase Stillman in return.
The 24-year-old Latvian netminder broke onto the NHL scene during the 2024 playoffs, replacing injured goaltenders Thatcher Demko and Casey DeSmith. Silovs won two of three starts against Nashville in the first round before holding his own against Edmonton in round two.
Despite his playoff success, Silovs struggled during the regular season with a 2-6-1 record, 3.65 GAA, and .861 save percentage. He rebounded in the AHL, leading Abbotsford to the Calder Cup while earning playoff MVP honors.
Silovs joins an increasingly talented group of goaltenders in Pittsburgh\'s system. The acquisition provides depth behind presumed starter Tristan Jarry, who finished last season strongly despite early struggles.
With Alex Nedeljkovic traded to San Jose on July 1, a clear path exists for Silovs to make the NHL roster. The goaltender carries an $850,000 cap hit this season and becomes a restricted free agent after 2025-26.
Vancouver\'s goaltending surplus made Silovs expendable with Demko and Kevin Lankinen costing $9.5 million against the cap. The Canucks faced losing Silovs for nothing if he required waivers for AHL assignment.
General manager Kyle Dubas has emphasized identifying young, talented players available via trade. Silovs represents a worthwhile gamble for Pittsburgh at a modest cost with significant upside potential.