On Monday, the Canucks signed the only player on their roster that was still without a contract - Arturs Silovs. Vancouver locked up the Latvian netminder to a two-year contract worth $1.7 million ($850,000 AAV).
Following the announcement of Silovs' contract, Vancouver Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin commented on the signing, saying they expect him to come into training camp and compete for the full-time backup role behind Thatcher Demko.
Silovs, 23, was selected by the Canucks in the sixth round back in 2019 out of Latvia and he came over right away, joining the Ontario Hockey League's Barrie Colts for the 2019-20 season, which was unfortunately cut short due to COVID.
After a few years of development in the American Hockey League and only nine regular season NHL games under his belt, Silovs found himself starting for Vancouver in the Stanley Cup Playoffs a few months ago due to injuries to Thatcher Demko and Casey DeSmith. Many were wondering what Silovs would do under immense pressure, but he thrived, much like he did during the 2023 IIHF World Championship, where he took home MVP honours.
In ten games during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Silovs had a record of 5-5 along with a 2.91 goals against average, an .898 save percentage and one shutout.
Canucks fans might not have to wait very long to see Arturs Silovs back in action as there's a very strong chance that himself, along with Teddy Blueger, represent Latvia at the Final Olympic Qualification Tournament in Riga at the end of August.
Who do you think will be the Canucks' backup goaltender to start the 2024-25 season - Arturs Silovs or Jiri Patera? Let us know what you think in the poll below!
POLL | ||
Who will be the Canucks' backup goaltender to start the 2024-25 season? | ||
Arturs Silovs | 284 | 92.8 % |
Jiri Patera | 22 | 7.2 % |
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