Arturs Silovs, once third in line in the Vancouver Canucks’ goaltending depth chart, has made a name for himself with his unexpected rise to fame in the Upper Deck Series 2 lineup. Originally poised for more time in the AHL, Silovs’s career trajectory took a sharp turn when injuries sidelined Thatcher Demko and Casey deSmith. This turn of events thrust Silovs into the limelight and transformed him from an obscure player to a standout performer in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Facing off against the Nashville Predators, many doubted Silovs’s abilities to hold his own. However, the young goalie surpassed all expectations with his stellar performance, playing a pivotal role in Vancouver’s advancement. Notably, he made an impressive 42 saves in a single game, a feat that only two other Canucks goalies have accomplished in away playoff matches. Despite the Canucks falling to the Oilers in Game 6, Silovs’s performance was not to blame, as the team struggled collectively.
Prior to his rapid ascent in the NHL, Silovs had already been making waves in junior hockey with the Barrie Colts and on the international stage with HS Riga in Latvia. Despite flying under the radar of scouting reports, his talents shone through when the Vancouver Canucks selected him in the sixth round of the 2019 NHL Draft. Silovs further solidified his reputation as a rising star with standout showings at the World U18 Championships and the 2023 IIHF World Championships, where he played a vital role in securing a historic bronze medal for Latvia, elevating him to national hero status and establishing him as a promising figure in the world of hockey.
In the realm of collectibles, Silovs’s rise to prominence in the Upper Deck Series 2 has generated significant interest in his rookie cards, particularly the Young Guns and Canvas Young Guns variants, which have garnered both value and attention among collectors. A standout sale was his Young Guns Red Outburst variant, which fetched an impressive $263. Additionally, his presence in other Upper Deck releases and the non-licensed BY cards from the IIHF tournaments has broadened his appeal, especially in the European market.
Looking to the future, the Vancouver Canucks must weigh their options regarding Silovs, considering his potential role as a backup to Demko or as a valuable trade asset. One thing is clear: Silovs’s unexpected ascent has not only cemented his status as a key player for Vancouver but has also positioned him as a coveted figure in the realm of hockey card collecting.