The Vancouver Canucks have traded promising young goaltender Arturs Silovs to the Pittsburgh Penguins. In exchange, Vancouver will get forward Chase Stillman and a 2027 fourth-round draft pick. That further took away somewhat Canucks’ goalie excitement as the now depth in the offensive aspect.
Silovs was seen as a potential rising star in the Canucks’ system. The 23-year-old from Latvia achieved notoriety in 2025 when he was awarded MVP of the Calder Cup with the Abbotsford Canucks. He was also the main man while winning a historic bronze for Latvia at the 2023 World Championship.
For all his huge potential, Silovs barely had a chance, with Thatcher Demko and the newly acquired Kevin Lankinen ahead of him. With the approach of waiver eligibility, the Canucks were quick to act rather than lose him for nothing.
Canucks trade goalie Arturs Silovs
Who is Arturs Silovs, and Why Does He Matter?
Arturs Silovs is not a conventional goaltending prospect. The Latvian was drafted by Vancouver in 2019, 156th overall. He has steadily developed in the AHL. His 2025 season was remarkable, winning the Calder Cup with Abbotsford and the playoff MVP.
Silovs excelled on the international front as well, aiding Latvia in clinching its first IIHF medal. On paper, very little NHL experience. He has played ten NHL games to date with a 4–2–1 record and .898 SV%. But a small sample of inconsistencies put some doubts about his readiness.
Still, the other side of his Canadian hockey trajectory dictates bright potential. The Penguins are willing to gamble on that upside. For a team thrust on inexpensive depth in goal, Silovs fits the bill.
What Does Vancouver Get in Chase Stillman?
Chase Stillman is a right-shot winger who brings speed, grit, and a slight offensive upside. He was a first-round selection, drafted 29th overall by New Jersey in the 2021 NHL Draft. Stillman was on the move last year and was traded to the Penguins in 2023. He was so far last season playing in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
Stillman posted six goals and 12 points in 59 games, while also cementing his defensive reputation. Known for his work ethic, Stillman is an edge player who is constantly responsible when off the puck. Though he has no scoring prowess, he can add some depth in the forward position, and he is still only 22 years old. His ceiling might not be elite, but the Canucks do believe he can be of value at the NHL level.
Why Make This Trade Now?
Timing played a huge role in the decision. The Canucks had already committed to Thatcher Demko as the starter and signed Kevin Lankinen as the backup. That left Silovs as the odd man out and would-be exposure on waivers. Instead of risking losing him for nothing, Vancouver netted two assets in return.
In the long term, the fourth-round pick in 2027 holds potential. Stillman would contribute right away as depth to the forward corps and may push for a roster spot. From Pittsburgh’s perspective, acquiring Silovs gives them a fit-for-feed goaltender to challenge or shadow Tristan Jarry. Their goalie depth had been thinning with recent departures, and Silovs comes with promise and affordability.
Can Chase Stillman Break Through in Vancouver?
Stillman remains to wait for his NHL career to take off. He is yet to debut in an NHL game since the 2021 draft. But the Canucks believe their development system can unlock his potential. He brings energy, pace, and forechecking ability.
Stillman fits the mould of a bottom-six winger with upside to develop into more. He should start in Abbotsford, but could earn himself a call-up with strong AHL performances. The Canucks have struck gold in developing players through the AHL system. Stillman’s repertoire could do well in the fast, aggressive Canucks system. The season will be a big step in improving him.
What Lies Ahead for Arturs Silovs?
The move to Pittsburgh may give Silovs the last real chance to achieve NHL minutes. With Tristan Jarry firmly entrenched as the starter, the backup position is up for grabs. Silovs would presumably compete either with Joel Blomqvist or someone more seasoned for the number two job.
Penguins GM Kyle Dubas values young and cheap talent. The fact that Silovs is on a league-minimum contract makes him an ideal player for Pittsburgh’s cap situation. If he performs well, this season could be his heavy splashing. His dominance has been proven in the AHL; what rings a bell is consistency at the NHL level.
Silovs now must prove that he can convert his athleticism, poise, and mental toughness. The Penguins are providing him with that opportunity—a chance Vancouver can no longer offer.
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Final Take: A Strategic Win for Both Sides
There is smart business in this trade for both clubs. The Canucks get to avoid losing Silovs for nothing and pick up a somewhat usable prospect and a future pick. Penguins get a high-upside goaltender without giving up their core assets.
For Silovs, this moment counts as one of the defining ones in his career. He leaves Vancouver as a renowned AHL goalie and now hopes to rise in Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, Stillman will try to make the Canucks’ roster and live up to his first-round expectations.
It will be some time before we know who won this trade. But for now, it does address both immediate needs and future visions of the two sides.
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