Arturs Silovs, a name that may not have rung any bells a few months ago, is now on the tip of everyone’s tongue in the hockey world, thanks to his unexpected rise in the NHL and the surge in interest in his hockey cards, especially in the coveted Upper Deck Series 2.
Originally lurking as the third choice goaltender for the Vancouver Canucks, Silovs was steadily making his way through the ranks, likely bound for more time honing his skills in the AHL. However, fate had other plans for him when injuries struck key players like Thatcher Demko and Casey deSmith, paving the way for Silovs to step into the limelight and showcase his talent on the biggest stage of all – the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Many eyebrows were raised when Silovs was called up to face the tough Nashville Predators, with doubts looming large about his ability to hold his ground against formidable opponents. Nevertheless, Silovs silenced the naysayers with his stellar performances, stealing the spotlight with jaw-dropping saves, including a remarkable 42-save game that set him apart as one of the standout goalies in away playoff games, a feat only surpassed by a select few Canucks netminders.
Despite the eventual loss to the Oilers in Game 6, Silovs emerged unscathed from the defeat, with his performance far from being the scapegoat for the team’s struggles. His journey to the NHL was not an overnight success story, as he had already been making waves in junior hockey with the Barrie Colts and representing his country, Latvia, with pride on the international stage.
Even as Silovs flew under the radar of scouting reports, the Vancouver Canucks saw something special in him when they picked him in the sixth round of the 2019 NHL Draft. His star continued to rise with impressive displays at the World U18 Championships and the 2023 IIHF World Championships, where he played a pivotal role in securing a historic bronze medal for Latvia, turning him into a national hero and a beacon of hope for the future of Latvian hockey.
The spotlight on Silovs has not only shone brightly in the NHL but has also spilled over into the world of hockey card collecting, particularly with his rookie cards in the Upper Deck Series 2 gaining traction among collectors. The Young Guns and Canvas Young Guns cards featuring Silovs have seen a surge in value, with a notable Young Guns Red Outburst variant recently selling for an impressive $263, further fueling the frenzy around his cards.
His presence in other Upper Deck releases and the non-licensed BY cards from the IIHF tournaments have only added to his allure, especially among European collectors who are quick to snap up any piece of memorabilia featuring the rising star. As the Canucks weigh their options on Silovs’s future role – whether as a backup to Demko or as a potential trade asset – one thing remains crystal clear: Arturs Silovs has not just made a mark in the NHL but has also etched his name in the annals of hockey card collecting, solidifying his status as a sought-after figure in both realms.
