Latest news with #Silovs
Time of India
a day ago
- Sport
- Time of India
NHL Trade Talk: Connor McDavid's Oilers shift focus to Blackhawks after failed goalie trade with Canucks
Desperation is building in Edmonton, and for good reason. With in his prime and the Oilers still falling just short of Stanley Cup glory, patience is thinning fast. After the Vancouver Canucks refused to trade promising goaltender Arturs Silovs within the division, the Oilers are reportedly shifting their gaze eastward—toward Connor Bedard's Chicago Blackhawks, who may soon find themselves with one netminder too many. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Oilers chase solutions amid goaltending concerns It's no secret that goaltending has been Edmonton's Achilles' heel. While Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard have done enough to guide the Oilers deep into the playoffs, their inconsistency has become too loud to ignore. Edmonton hasn't lifted the Stanley Cup since 1990, and every passing year without silverware only adds to the urgency. Now, with the Silovs door slammed shut by Vancouver—reportedly refusing to trade him 'at any price,' per Kurt Leavins of Edmonton Journal—the Oilers have resumed their search with a different target in mind. Initially, Michael DiPietro of the Boston Bruins seemed like a potential backup option. However, recent rumblings suggest that Blackhawks General Manager Stan Bowman might be open to discussions before the season kicks off. Oilers Rumours, New Coaching Staff, and the 2025-26 NHL schedule '[Oilers GM] Stan Bowman will continue to look for a goaltender before the start of the season. The Blackhawks might have three healthy NHL netminders in training camp—just something to keep tabs on,' Chicago Hockey Now reported. Chicago's crowded crease could unlock opportunity The Blackhawks might soon face a logjam in net, especially if Arvid Soderblom remains on the roster. While he's currently filed for salary arbitration as a restricted free agent, it's widely expected that the Blackhawks, who have over $21 million in cap space, will ink him to a one-year deal. If that happens, Chicago could enter camp with Soderblom, Drew Commesso, and Spencer Knight all competing for two spots. Of the trio, only Knight appears untouchable, having been acquired in a high-profile move. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now That leaves Soderblom and Commesso as potential candidates should Edmonton wish to bolster its depth chart. After missing out on Silovs due to inter-divisional politics, the Oilers might now find a more cooperative trade partner in Chicago. Whether or not Edmonton can pull off a deal, one thing is clear: the clock is ticking. For a franchise this close to glory, failing to upgrade the crease might not just stall momentum—it could shatter the entire structure built around McDavid's prime. FAQs 1. Why are the Edmonton Oilers targeting the Chicago Blackhawks for a goaltender? The Oilers are exploring Chicago's goaltending surplus after Vancouver refused to trade Arturs Silovs within the division. 2. Which Blackhawks goalies could be available for trade? Arvid Soderblom and Drew Commesso are the most likely trade options, as Spencer Knight is expected to be untouchable. 3. What's delaying the Oilers' goaltending decision? Edmonton is still assessing trade possibilities after missing out on Silovs, with the timing of any deal still uncertain. Also Read:
Vancouver Sun
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Vancouver Sun
Canucks: Towering Nikita Tolopilo doesn't need motivation, but now he has some to spare
The journey is the adventure. That summation is affixed to anybody trying to get somewhere in a chosen profession. And for towering Vancouver Canucks goaltender Nikita Tolopilo, it now carries more meaning. His long road to the NHL from Belarus as an undrafted and undaunted dreamer got shorter Sunday when Arturs Silovs was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins for winger Chase Stillman and a fourth-round selection in the 2027 NHL Draft. Tolopilo, 25, also earned a two-year, $1.55-million US contract extension last week after a strong AHL season with Calder Cup champion Abbotsford Canucks , so it would be easy for the 6-foot-6, 229-pound Minsk native to have his head in the clouds amid positivity and future promise. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. But that's not Tolopilo. He knows staying humble in a game that can eat you up on or off the ice is imperative, because time moves fast. Starting goaltender Thatcher Demko and back-up Kevin Lankinen are locked up financially, and Silovs would probably still be here as the No. 3 if he was waiver exempt. Now, Tolopilo is under a bigger microscope as the go-to guy in Abbotsford and the what-if guy in Vancouver. What if Demko suffers another injury? What if Lankinen tweaks something? Tolopilo doesn't dwell on that because he is dialled into the moment and not what may or may not occur. Tolopilo had that attitude April 14 in his NHL debut, the second-last game of a season gone seriously south for the Canucks. If he could stay square and calm and not overreact while running on adrenalin, his big night would be deemed a success. It went beyond that. He made 14 saves in a 2-1 overtime victory over the hapless San Jose Sharks at Rogers Arena , and his appreciation of the moment was a window on his competitive world. He didn't look out of place in an NHL game played at a different pace where players are faster, passes are quicker, and shots pack velocity and accuracy. 'I was just so glad to get this chance,' said Tolopilo, who left home at age 15 to further his career. 'A long journey for me and I'm so happy. I just want to build from this game, and it gives me more confidence for sure. 'You don't need to find motivation. NHL is the best league in the world. I've been thinking about this since I was a kid and watching highlights. It's tough to get here. They just don't give it to you.' Tolopilo finished with a 1-1-0 NHL record last season, 2.15 goals-against average, and .885 save percentage. When Silovs cleared waivers last season to get his game in order after a short and rough NHL run that finished with a 2-6-1 mark, 3.65 GAA and .861 saves percentage, Tolopilo remained the capable, supportive and confident teammate. He even outplayed Silovs and went 20-14-2 in the regular season with a 2.66 GAA., .902 saves percentage and four shutouts — including back-to-back blankings — to showcase improving skill. And in a league where games can be a scramble and when goaltending structure, tracking, and consistency are under constant fire, an ability to cover a lot of net didn't go unnoticed. Especially when Silovs got on a run and then took it to another level in the playoffs. His remarkable 16-7-0 record, 2.01 GAA., .931 saves percentage and five postseason shutouts — one shy of the AHL record — obviously drew the attention of NHL clubs, who knew Silovs wouldn't clear waivers next season. He was trade bait. The Canucks also know the goaltending position is demanding and draining, and injuries are a constant concern. There is nothing to suggest Demko isn't tracking to return to top form. He is training and skating and has a year left on his current contract before a three-year, $25.5-million US extension kicks in. The term was a clear indication of management caution. Demko was a Vezina Trophy finalist in 2024 and that spoke to superiority when there is durability. In 51 games in 2023-24, before being sidelined by a freak popliteus knee-muscle strain at the back his knee on April 21, he posted a career-best 2.45 GAA., .918 saves percentage and five shutouts. However, popliteus rehab became arduous. Demko didn't see the net last season for the first 26 games and also missed 15 with an undisclosed Feb. 8 ailment. Prior to that setback, he was 3-1-1 with a 1.25 GAA, .952 saves percentage, and a shutout. So, when healthy, Demko is very good. The Canucks are banking that. The pressing question is will the popliteus pop up again to be a problem? 'It's such a rare injury, but it could occur again if (Demko) were to have a movement or contact that causes the injury,' B.C. physician Dr. Harjas Grewal told Postmedia. 'It could happen with direct contact to the outer knee, or even just rotation of the knee while it's flexed. 'Most muscles work to move the knee forward and backward. The popliteus is unique and important in starting flexion. To get into a butterfly, or any other position, initial knee bending is initiated by the popliteus. 'These types of plays happen a lot, and this injury is so rare that it would shock me to happen again. In terms of prevention, there's not much outside of regular strengthening exercises and ensuring good mobility. 'Managing his workload helps to reduce risk, but that's true for essentially all muscular injuries.' bkuzma@
Vancouver Sun
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Vancouver Sun
The Arty Party is over — and Canucks fans aren't taking the trade well
It's a trade that had to happen, with the Canucks' crease situation all jammed up. Still, it doesn't mean Vancouver fans are happy about it. Fan favourite and reigning Calder Cup playoffs MVP goaltender Arturs Silovs is off to Pittsburgh , in a trade that sees the Penguins part with depth forward prospect Chase Stillman, who was a 2021 first-round pick, and a fourth-round pick in 2027. Something had to give, and Silovs was the obvious piece to move on from — the 24-year-old was going to need clear waivers this season to be sent down to the minors. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. The lanky Latvian with the big smile and pink paisley shirt, however, will certainly be missed around these parts. Arturs Silovs will forever be entrenched in #Canucks lore. 🧊👕🥳🏆 19+ It's not quite pitchforks and torches time in Vancouver for moving on from a No. 3 goalie. Or is it? justice for arturs silovs Silovs built up a something of a cult following in Vancouver. Sunday's trade didn't see a shortage of existential dread on social media. this is the end of everything actually the way they did it again. artūrs šilovs don't move im coming to get you. my forever two favourite players 😭♥️ artūrs šilovs with the canucks will be so missed ❤️🩹 goodbye sweet prince, artūrs šilovs 🤧💔 CHASE STILLMAN IS A CANUCK AND ARTŪRS ŠILOVS IS A PENGUIN NOW WHAT IS THIS Wasn't gonna drink tonight but Arturs Silovs got traded so I have to Meanwhile, despite the Canucks getting fair market value for Silovs, media around the hockey world are praising the move for the Penguins. AHL insider and Flohockey columnist Chris Peters writes : 'The Penguins … have a need at the position. They have a few promising young goalies in their system, but guys that probably should spend more time in the AHL. That includes Joel Blomqvist, who played some at the NHL level this year … (Silovs) showed during the Calder Cup Playoffs that it's time to give him some more NHL net time. 'If Silovs hits and can be a starter for the Penguins in the near future, this might solve one of their most immediate needs at the NHL level. (Tristan) Jarry's days as a reliable No. 1 appear to be dwindling. Adding a young, athletic and fairly accomplished young goalie is probably one of the more intriguing moves the Pens have made all summer.' Arturs Silovs has been traded from the Vancouver Canucks to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Chase Stillman & 4th round draft pick '27. Low risk-high reward opportunity for Pittsburgh. I like this deal from Penguins' perspective. Over at , analyst Dan Kingerski writes: 'This is an A+ trade for (Kyle) Dubas and the Penguins. They've risked nothing and may get an NHL goalie. (Chase) Stillman was a 2021 first-round pick by New Jersey, but has done little to force his way to the NHL. He's an AHL depth player and the other asset given up was merely a fourth-round pick amongst the treasure trove of draft picks over the next three years. 'Silovs is young enough to keep improving upon his subpar regular-season performances. He's just a year older than Blomqvist, who also struggled mightily in NHL action this season.' AHL insider Tony Androckitis thinks there's another goalie trade coming for Pittsburgh now. Have to think another goalie move is coming for #Pens . NHL contracts: Tristan Jarry, Arturs Silovs, Joel Blomqvist, Flip Larsson & Sergei Murashov AHL contracts: Taylor Gauthier & Max Pavlenko Can't have Murashov in ECHL-Wheeling again in 2025-26, IMO. @InsideAHLHockey And predictably, the Penguins faithful are welcoming Silovs into the fold with open arms. Artūrs Šilovs in my favorite team's net arturs silovs is really a pittsburgh penguin like I suggested the Flyers look at Arturs Silovs. Solid move by the Pens. I think he's got started potential or 1A/1B potential at a minimum. I'd like to thank chase stillman for being the reason Cody glass is a devil and Arturs Silovs is a penguin cheers diva x mraptis@
Edmonton Journal
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Edmonton Journal
The Arty Party is over — and Canucks fans aren't taking the trade well
Article content Meanwhile, media around the hockey world are praising the move for the Penguins. Article content 'The Penguins … have a need at the position. They have a few promising young goalies in their system, but guys that probably should spend more time in the AHL. That includes Joel Blomqvist, who played some at the NHL level this year … (Silovs) showed during the Calder Cup Playoffs that it's time to give him some more NHL net time. Article content 'If Silovs hits and can be a starter for the Penguins in the near future, this might solve one of their most immediate needs at the NHL level. (Tristan) Jarry's days as a reliable No. 1 appear to be dwindling. Adding a young, athletic and fairly accomplished young goalie is probably one of the more intriguing moves the Pens have made all summer.' Article content Arturs Silovs has been traded from the Vancouver Canucks to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Chase Stillman & 4th round draft pick '27. Low risk-high reward opportunity for Pittsburgh. I like this deal from Penguins' perspective. — Rono (@RonoAnalyst) July 13, 2025 Article content Article content Article content Over at analyst Dan Kingerski writes: Article content 'This is an A+ trade for (Kyle) Dubas and the Penguins. They've risked nothing and may get an NHL goalie. (Chase) Stillman was a 2021 first-round pick by New Jersey, but has done little to force his way to the NHL. He's an AHL depth player and the other asset given up was merely a fourth-round pick amongst the treasure trove of draft picks over the next three years. Article content 'Silovs is young enough to keep improving upon his subpar regular-season performances. He's just a year older than Blomqvist, who also struggled mightily in NHL action this season.' Article content Have to think another goalie move is coming for #Pens. NHL contracts: Tristan Jarry, Arturs Silovs, Joel Blomqvist, Flip Larsson & Sergei Murashov AHL contracts: Taylor Gauthier & Max Pavlenko Can't have Murashov in ECHL-Wheeling again in 2025-26, IMO. @InsideAHLHockey — Tony Androckitis* (@TonyAndrock) July 13, 2025 Article content Article content And predictably, the Penguins faithful are welcoming Silovs into the fold with open arms. Article content Artūrs Šilovs in my favorite team's net — PGHconcepts (@PGHconcepts) July 13, 2025
Canada Standard
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Canada Standard
Penguins acquire goaltender Arturs Silovs in trade with Canucks
Field Level Media 14 Jul 2025, 01:49 GMT+10 (Photo credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images) The Pittsburgh Penguins shored up the goaltending position on Sunday as the team acquired Arturs Silovs from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for forward Chase Stillman and a 2027 fourth-round pick. Silovs, 24, appeared in just 10 games for the Canucks this past season. However, the 6-foot-4 Latvian shined in the American Hockey League, where he led the Abbotsford Canucks to the Calder Cup Championship as the Playoff MVP. In 21 regular-season games with Abbotsford, Silovs went 14-5-2 with a .908 save percentage and a career-best 2.41 goals-against average. In leading the team to its first Calder Cup, he went 16-7 in 24 games with a 2.01 GAA and a .931 save percentage. With five shutouts in the playoffs, Silovs fell one shy of the AHL all-time record during a single postseason. He also became just the fourth goaltender to earn Playoff MVP honors. Silovs, whose contract runs through the 2025-26 season, has compiled a 59-35-13 record with a .906 save percentage and a 2.58 GAA in parts of five AHL seasons. In three years with Vancouver, he appeared in 19 games (18 starts) with an 8-8 record, .880 save percentage and 3.13 GAA. --Field Level Media
