Chase Stillman is back in the headlines after Todd McLellan's Detroit Red Wings placed the former Vancouver Canucks forward on waivers Thursday.
It's a familiar name for Canucks fans, particularly those who remember the trade that sent goaltender Arturs Silovs to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Stillman, 23, was acquired by Vancouver alongside a 2027 fourth-round pick in exchange for Silovs in July 2025.
The former first-round selection never established himself with Vancouver's NHL roster, spending his time in the organization with the Abbotsford Canucks.
His stay didn't last long. Stillman eventually joined Detroit during the offseason, signing a one-year, two-way contract in July.
Now, just as the NHL regular season gets underway, he's facing another setback in his attempt to establish himself at the highest level.
According to Thursday's waiver news, Detroit has made Stillman available to the rest of the league after he opened the season on the injured non-roster list.
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The forward had been dealing with an undisclosed issue, but his placement on waivers suggests he's healthy enough to resume playing.
If nobody claims him, Stillman is expected to report to the Grand Rapids Griffins in the American Hockey League.
For Vancouver fans, his name brings back memories of the Silovs deal, which gave the organization another young forward to develop.
Stillman was originally selected 29th overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2021 NHL Draft, carrying expectations that have yet to translate into a permanent NHL opportunity.
His situation also reflects how quickly things can change for prospects moving between organizations. A fresh contract doesn't guarantee a spot in the opening-night lineup.
For the Canucks, there's no immediate roster impact. But the latest waiver decision is another development involving a player who was once part of Vancouver's plans.
Should the Vancouver Canucks consider bringing Chase Stillman back if he becomes available?
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