Vancouver Canucks Create Rift with Major Rival After Refusing to Do a Deal for Goalie Arturs Silovs
As the Vancouver Canucks looked to clear their goaltending logjam this summer, one of their rivals reportedly entered the mix to acquire netminder Arturs Silovs.
After signing Kevin Lankinen to a five-year deal back in February and giving a three-year contract extension to former Vezina Trophy finalist Thatcher Demko, the Vancouver Canucks were left with a bit of a crowded crease, especially when factoring in Arturs Silovs, who appeared to be more than ready for a full-time role in the NHL.
Silovs was lights out for the Vancouver Canucks' American Hockey League affiliate in Abbotsford during the playoffs, leading them to their first-ever championship while earning MVP honors, leaving Patrik Allvin with a difficult decision to make regarding the Latvian.
Vancouver Canucks' rival reportedly attempted to acquire Arturs Silovs
Less than two weeks after signing Thatcher Demko to a contract extension that begins in 2026-27, the Vancouver Canucks found a new home for Arturs Silovs, trading him to the Pittsburgh Penguins where he'll compete for a spot on the opening night roster with Tristan Jarry and Joel Blomqvist.
In return, the Canucks received former first-round pick Chase Stillman, younger brother of former Vancouver defenseman Riley Stillman, along with a fourth-round pick in 2027.
"We would like thank Arturs for everything he has done for the hockey club, including helping Abbotsford win the Calder Cup.
We wanted to give him an opportunity elsewhere as we feel we are very well positioned in goal at the NHL, AHL and developmental level. Acquiring a future pick and depth forward will add to our organizational depth." Allvin said.
We wanted to give him an opportunity elsewhere as we feel we are very well positioned in goal at the NHL, AHL and developmental level. Acquiring a future pick and depth forward will add to our organizational depth." Allvin said.
As one would expect, the Pittsburgh Penguins weren't the only team that showed interest in Arturs Silovs this summer and among the other teams that tried to land him was one of Vancouver's biggest rivals.
According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, the Edmonton Oilers, who have an unpredictable tandem between the pipes in Stuart Skinner & Calvin Pickard, were one of the teams that was interested in Arturs Silovs.
"Interesting set up here. As mentioned, Oilers were involved, I think there was another team that was in the mix, but just couldn't quite get it done.
The Oilers don't have a ton to offer and weren't entirely sure if Silovs was better than what they have right now in Skinner, as well as a Cal Pickard." Servalli said on B/R Open Ice.
The Oilers don't have a ton to offer and weren't entirely sure if Silovs was better than what they have right now in Skinner, as well as a Cal Pickard." Servalli said on B/R Open Ice.
While the return Vancouver got for Arturs Silovs didn't sit well with some in the fan base, there's no guarantee that they would've got a better deal with the Edmonton Oilers or any other team around the league for that matter.
Previously on Vancouver Hockey Daily
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 15 | 2949 ANSWERS Vancouver Canucks Create Rift with Major Rival After Refusing to Do a Deal for Goalie Arturs Silovs Do you think the Edmonton Oilers would've had the assets Patrik Allvin wanted to complete an Arturs Silovs trade? | ||
| Yes | 1150 | 39 % |
| No | 1799 | 61 % |
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