The Colorado Avalanche are rolling. With 76 points already on the board and a sparkling 34-5-8 record, they’re not just leading the Central Division - they’re pacing the entire NHL, sitting a full 10 points ahead of the next-best team, Carolina. It’s the kind of dominance that makes you think they might not need to touch a thing before the trade deadline.
But GM Chris MacFarland isn’t one to sit back and admire the view from the top. Even with the roster clicking, he’s still looking for ways to fine-tune the machine. On Tuesday, he made a minor move that could have some sneaky upside down the road.
The Avalanche sent defenseman Ilya Solovyov to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for forward Valtteri Puustinen and a seventh-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. It’s not a blockbuster, but it’s a classic depth trade - the kind that doesn’t make headlines now but could pay dividends later.
Solovyov, who was claimed off waivers in October, logged 16 games with Colorado this season. He contributed one goal and two assists for a total of three points. His time in Denver was short, but he filled a role when needed.
In return, the Avs get Puustinen, a 26-year-old winger who’s been productive at the AHL level. Skating for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins this season, Puustinen has notched 26 points in 35 games - seven goals and 19 assists - leading the team in assists and sitting second in total points. That kind of playmaking ability is hard to ignore, especially for a Colorado organization that values versatility and depth in its forward group.
Puustinen will report to the Colorado Eagles, the Avs’ AHL affiliate, where he’ll get a chance to prove he’s more than just an AHL standout. Colorado has a history of developing talent in Loveland before giving guys a shot at the NHL level, and Puustinen could be the next in line.
This move also leaves the Avalanche a little thin on the blue line, at least temporarily. With Solovyov gone, a call-up from the Eagles seems likely to keep the defensive depth chart intact.
It’s not the kind of trade that shakes up the league, but it’s the kind of move that shows MacFarland is still working the margins - always looking for the next piece, even when the puzzle looks close to complete. And for a team with Stanley Cup aspirations, that kind of attention to detail can make all the difference come spring.