The hockey world is buzzing with excitement over the unexpected rise of Arturs Silovs, a young goaltender who has captured the hearts of fans and collectors alike. His journey from being third in the depth chart for the Vancouver Canucks to becoming a standout performer in the Stanley Cup playoffs is nothing short of remarkable.
Silovs’s rise to fame was not without hurdles. Originally destined for more time in the AHL, his career took a sharp turn when injuries sidelined key players ahead of him. When he was called up to the NHL, many expected him to falter against the Nashville Predators. However, Silovs proved his critics wrong by putting on stellar performances, making crucial saves, and even setting a record with 42 saves in a single playoff game.
Before making waves in the NHL, Silovs had already showcased his talent in junior hockey with the Barrie Colts and on the international stage with HS Riga in Latvia. Despite flying under the radar on scouting reports, Vancouver saw potential in him and selected him in the sixth round of the 2019 NHL Draft. His standout performances at international tournaments, including helping Latvia secure a historic bronze medal at the 2023 IIHF World Championships, solidified his status as a rising star in the hockey world.
In the realm of hockey cards, Silovs’s popularity has skyrocketed, particularly with the release of his rookie cards in the Upper Deck Series 2. Collectors are scrambling to get their hands on his Young Guns and Canvas Young Guns cards, driving up their value in the market. One of his most sought-after cards, the Young Guns Red Outburst variant, recently sold for an impressive $263. His presence in other Upper Deck releases and non-licensed BY cards from IIHF tournaments has expanded his appeal, especially among European collectors.
As Silovs’s star continues to rise, the Canucks find themselves at a crossroads in deciding his future role with the team. Will he remain as a solid backup to Thatcher Demko or could he become a valuable trade asset? One thing is certain: Silovs’s unexpected ascent has not only solidified his position as a key player for Vancouver but has also made him a hot commodity in the hockey card collecting community.
