The Canucks have announced the recall of goaltender Arturs Silovs from AHL Abbotsford, appointing him as the team’s emergency backup (EBUG) for Game 1 of their first-round series against the Predators on Sunday night.
In postseason matchups, unlike regular-season games, there is no designated amateur EBUG present in the arena. Consequently, teams are permitted to insert a third contracted goaltender into the game if both their starter and backup are sidelined with injuries, even if they were initially listed as scratches on the roster report.
Silovs, aged 23, has primarily been stationed in the minors throughout the season. He notably impressed after guiding Latvia to a bronze medal and earning the distinction of the tournament’s best goaltender at the 2023 World Championship. In 34 games with Abbotsford, he maintained a solid performance with a .907 save percentage, 2.74 goals-against average, and four shutouts.
Although drafted in the sixth round in 2019, Silovs gained some brief NHL exposure towards the end of the season due to Thatcher Demko’s absence owing to a lower-body injury. Despite primarily serving as Casey DeSmith’s backup during Demko’s injury spell, Silovs made four starts. Although his statistics were not exceptional, with a .881 save percentage and 2.47 goals-against average, they were reflective of challenging defensive scenarios. Nonetheless, Silovs met expectations, as per MoneyPuck, and Vancouver secured points in all four of his appearances, going 3-0-1.
With five starts last season included, Silovs holds a .898 save percentage, 2.62 goals-against average, and a 6-2-1 record in his brief NHL tenure. While unlikely to see postseason action for the Canucks unless unforeseen circumstances arise, Silovs stands poised for consideration for a permanent backup role next season, particularly with DeSmith’s impending unrestricted free agency. Additionally, Silovs will need to negotiate a new contract as his entry-level deal expires soon, rendering him a restricted free agent.
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