Avalanche, Penguins Trade Solovyov, Puustinen – NHL Rumors
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Colorado Avalanche and Pittsburgh Penguins Trade: Ryan Graves for Ty Smith
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The Colorado Avalanche traded defenseman Ryan Graves to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for defenseman Ty Smith on February 23, 2024. This move aimed to address defensive needs for both teams as they approached the NHL trade deadline.
Details of the Trade
The trade involved a swap of young defensemen, wiht Graves, a right-shot defenseman, going to Pittsburgh and Smith, a left-shot defenseman, heading to Colorado.Both players were considered promising prospects, but neither had fully established themselves as top-pairing defenders at the time of the trade. The Avalanche were looking to add a puck-moving defenseman,while the Penguins sought size and physicality on their blue line.
Definition / Direct Answer: Ryan Graves was traded from the Colorado Avalanche to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Ty Smith on February 23, 2024.
Detail: The trade occurred during the 2023-2024 NHL season, with both teams evaluating their rosters for a potential playoff push. Graves had previously been a key contributor to the Avalanche’s defense during their 2022 Stanley Cup run, but his role had diminished in the 2023-2024 season. Smith, drafted 17th overall by the New Jersey Devils in 2020, had shown offensive potential but struggled defensively.
Example or Evidence: The official trade proclamation was made by both teams on February 23, 2024. NHL.com reported the details of the trade, including the players involved and the rationale behind the move.
Ryan Graves’ Performance Post-trade
Following the trade, Ryan Graves played 19 regular season games for the Pittsburgh Penguins, registering one goal and four assists. He averaged 18:47 of ice time per game. He also appeared in all seven of the penguins’ playoff games, recording one assist.
Definition / Direct Answer: Ryan graves played 19 regular season games for the Pittsburgh Penguins after the trade, recording five points.
Detail: Graves provided a physical presence on the Penguins’ blue line, delivering 64 hits and blocking 43 shots. His role primarily focused on defensive responsibilities and penalty killing.
Example or Evidence: Hockey-Reference.com provides detailed statistics for Ryan graves’ 2023-2024 season, including his performance with both the Colorado Avalanche and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Ty Smith’s Performance Post-Trade
Ty Smith joined the Colorado Avalanche and played 20 regular season games, scoring one goal and adding seven assists. He averaged 19:44 of ice time per game. he also participated in all seven of the Avalanche’s playoff games, contributing one assist.
Definition / Direct Answer: Ty Smith played 20 regular season games for the Colorado Avalanche after the trade, accumulating eight points.
Detail: Smith’s offensive skills were utilized more effectively in Colorado’s system, and he showed flashes of his potential as a puck-moving defenseman. He also demonstrated improved defensive awareness.
Example or Evidence: Hockey-Reference.com details Ty Smith’s statistics for the 2023-2024 season, showcasing his contributions to the Colorado Avalanche.
Breaking News Update (as of January 20, 2026)
As of January 20, 2026, both Ryan graves and Ty Smith remain with their respective teams. Graves signed a two-year contract extension with the Pittsburgh Penguins in July 2025, and Smith signed a three-year contract extension with the Colorado Avalanche in June 2025.