The hockey world is abuzz with the unexpected rise of a young star in the Upper Deck Series 2 Young Guns collection. Arturs Silovs, initially pegged as third in line for the Vancouver Canucks goaltending position and destined for more time in the AHL, saw his career trajectory take an unforeseen turn due to injuries to key players. Suddenly thrust into the spotlight, Silovs went from being a relatively unknown figure to a standout performer in the high-stakes atmosphere of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
When Silovs was handed the opportunity to prove himself, many skeptics expected the Nashville Predators to dominate the inexperienced goalie. However, Silovs defied all expectations with remarkable saves, including a jaw-dropping 42-save performance in a single game—a feat matched by only two other Canucks goalies in away playoff games. Despite the Canucks eventually falling to the Oilers in Game 6, Silovs’s stellar performance kept them competitive throughout the series.
Prior to his rapid ascent in the NHL, Silovs had already been turning heads with his performances in junior hockey for the Barrie Colts and on the international stage with HS Riga in Latvia. Although he had flown under the radar in scouting reports, his talent was undeniable, leading Vancouver to select him in the sixth round of the 2019 NHL Draft. Silovs further solidified his status as a rising star with standout displays at the World U18 Championships and, notably, at the 2023 IIHF World Championships, where he played a pivotal role in helping Latvia secure a historic bronze medal.
The rising star’s impact isn’t limited to the ice rink, as interest in Silovs has surged in the realm of hockey card collecting. His rookie cards from the Upper Deck Series 2, especially the Young Guns and Canvas Young Guns editions, have seen a spike in both value and demand among collectors. Notably, a Young Guns Red Outburst variant of his card recently sold for an impressive $263, underscoring his growing popularity. Moreover, Silovs’s inclusion in other Upper Deck releases and non-licensed BY cards from IIHF tournaments has broadened his appeal, particularly in European markets.
Looking towards the future, the Vancouver Canucks face crucial decisions regarding Silovs’s role on the team, whether as a backup to Thatcher Demko or potentially as a valuable trade asset. One thing is certain: Silovs’s unexpected ascent has not only elevated his status as a key player for the Canucks but has also positioned him as a highly sought-after figure in the ever-expanding world of hockey card collecting.
