Former Colorado Avalanche defenseman Ilya Solovyov is back on waivers after the Pittsburgh Penguins made him available Friday.

Solovyov made Pittsburgh’s opening-night roster but has yet to play this season. If he clears waivers Saturday, the Penguins can assign him to their AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

Colorado claimed Solovyov off waivers from the Calgary Flames on Oct. 3, 2025. He scored his first NHL goal with the Avalanche on Jan. 10, finding the net in a 4-0 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets.

His stay in Colorado was brief. Ten days after scoring his first NHL goal, Solovyov was traded to Pittsburgh. The Avalanche received forward Valtteri Puustinen and a seventh-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. Colorado later used the pick to select Shawn Carrier.

Solovyov appeared in 14 regular-season games for Pittsburgh after the trade, recording five assists. He also played three games in the playoffs before the Penguins were eliminated by the Philadelphia Flyers.

Across his time with Colorado and Pittsburgh, Solovyov played 30 NHL games last season. He finished with one goal and seven assists while averaging just under 13 minutes of ice time per game.

His next move depends on whether another team claims him. If he goes unclaimed, Pittsburgh can send him to the AHL, where he would have a chance to keep playing while waiting for another NHL opportunity.

The Penguins have also welcomed forward Bryan Rust back to the lineup. Rust missed the start of the season with an upper-body injury suffered during a preseason game against Buffalo on Sept. 26. He returned Wednesday against the Washington Capitals.

Solovyov has already spent time with Calgary, Colorado and Pittsburgh. With his latest waiver placement, he could soon be looking for an opportunity with a fourth organization.