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Ilya Solovyov speaks for the first time since being acquired by the Penguins from the Avalanche
Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
New Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Ilya Solovyov, who was acquired earlier this week from the Colorado Avalanche, is speaking for the first time since the trade.
The career of defenseman Ilya Solovyov took another turn this week, as he was traded from the Colorado Avalanche to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Valtteri Puustinen and a seventh round pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.
He joins his third NHL team, and is excited to be playing on another team with so many legends of the game like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
I was surprised and excited. I was already in the locker room with one of the greatest hockey players with the Avs. And here, it's true legends - Crosby, Malkin... I'm just excited and can't wait to step on the ice with the guys. - Ilya Solovyov
So far this year with the Avalanche, Solovyov has three points (1G, 2A) in 16 games played.
The Penguins Appreciate Solovyov's Size And Toughness To Play Against
Penguins head coach Dan Muse is already a fan of Solovyov's game as he explained after his first skate with his new club.
Big guy, strong defensive game. From what we've seen, does a good job there in terms of just getting back, finding that first pass, gaps, hard to play against. And he's also got the ability, like you want all defensemen to at times, to be able to get up there and to keep plays extended there offensively. - Dan Muse
He was taken with the 205th overall pick by the Calgary Flames in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, but was put on waivers by the Flames before this year and claimed by the Avalanche.
He has seven points (1G, 6A) in 31 games.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 21|157 ANSWERS Ilya Solovyov speaks for the first time since being acquired by the Penguins from the Avalanche Will Ilya Solovyov get regular playing time with the Penguins? | ||
| Yes | 84 | 53.5 % |
| No | 73 | 46.5 % |
| List of polls | ||