Arturs Silovs may have started as the third-string goalie for the Vancouver Canucks, but his journey in the NHL has been nothing short of extraordinary. Thanks to unexpected injuries to key players like Thatcher Demko and Casey deSmith, Silovs found himself thrust into the spotlight and excelled beyond imagination, especially in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Facing off against the Nashville Predators, Silovs proved his doubters wrong by delivering standout performances, including a remarkable game where he made 42 saves—a feat only surpassed by two other Canucks goalies in away playoff games. Despite the disappointments that followed, Silovs’s efforts were commendable, showcasing his talent and resilience on the ice.
Before his rise in the NHL, Silovs was already carving out a name for himself in junior hockey with the Barrie Colts and representing his country, Latvia, on the international stage with HS Riga. Despite flying under the radar in scouting reports, Vancouver saw his potential and drafted him in the sixth round of the 2019 NHL Draft. His stellar displays at various championships, notably helping Latvia secure a bronze medal at the 2023 IIHF World Championships, solidified his status as a rising star in hockey.
The spotlight on Silovs has extended to the world of hockey card collecting, with his Upper Deck Series 2 cards garnering significant attention. Collectors are eager to get their hands on his rookie cards, particularly the Young Guns and Canvas Young Guns editions, driving up their value in the market. The sale of a Young Guns Red Outburst variant for $263 further underscores the growing demand for Silovs’s cards, with his presence in other Upper Deck releases and non-licensed BY cards from IIHF tournaments broadening his appeal, especially in Europe.
Moving forward, the Canucks have decisions to make regarding Silovs’s future role, whether as Demko’s backup or as a potential trade asset. Regardless, one thing is certain—Silovs’s unexpected rise has not only established him as a key player for Vancouver but also as a coveted name in the realm of hockey card collecting, adding a new dimension to his already remarkable journey in the sport.
