Arturs Silovs, a name that may not have rung many bells until recently, has swiftly made a name for himself in the hockey world. Initially occupying the third spot in the Vancouver Canucks’ goalie roster, Silovs found himself propelled into the limelight due to unforeseen circumstances. With injuries sidelining mainstays Thatcher Demko and Casey deSmith, the young Latvian goaltender’s journey took an unexpected turn.
Opposing the Nashville Predators in the Stanley Cup playoffs, Silovs faced skepticism regarding his ability to hold his ground against seasoned players. However, he defied all odds and emerged as a standout performer for the Canucks. Noteworthy was his performance where he made a stunning 42 saves in a single game, a heroic feat achieved by only a select few Canucks goalies in away playoff games. Despite the eventual defeat against the Oilers in Game 6, Silovs’s efforts were commendable as he displayed exceptional resilience under immense pressure.
Before his meteoric rise in the NHL, Silovs was leaving his mark in the junior hockey circuit with the Barrie Colts and shining on the international stage with HS Riga in Latvia. Despite flying under the radar of many scouting reports, his prowess caught the eye of the Vancouver Canucks, who picked him in the sixth round of the 2019 NHL Draft. Silovs’s stellar performances at the World U18 Championships and later at the 2023 IIHF World Championships, where he played a pivotal role in Latvia claiming a historic bronze medal, solidified his status as a budding star in the hockey realm.
The buzz surrounding Silovs doesn’t end on the ice. His presence in the Upper Deck Series 2 collectibles has sparked significant interest, particularly in his rookie cards like the Young Guns and Canvas Young Guns, which have surged in both value and appeal among collectors. Notably, his Young Guns Red Outburst variant recently fetched an impressive $263, underscoring the growing demand for his cards. Moreover, his inclusion in other Upper Deck releases and the non-licensed BY cards from IIHF tournaments has magnified his popularity, particularly in the European market.
Looking towards the future, the Vancouver Canucks are faced with crucial decisions concerning Silovs’s role within the team, whether as a backup to Demko or a potential trade asset. However, one thing remains evident – Silovs’s unexpected ascent has not only cemented his position as a key player for the Canucks but has also positioned him as a coveted figure in the realm of hockey card collecting, with his cards becoming prized possessions among enthusiasts and investors alike.
