Contract Options For The Canucks And Arturs Silovs
Artūrs Šilovs is the only Vancouver Canucks restricted free agent yet to sign this offseason.
Photo by Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports - Contract Options For The Canucks And Arturs SilovsA week after free agency opened, one player on the Vancouver Canucks roster has yet to be signed. After a spectacular postseason, Artūrs Šilovs is looking to capitalize this offseason after his entry-level contract ended this year. The 23-year-old did receive a qualifying offer but is most likely looking for a significant raise heading into the 2024-25 season.
After struggling in the AHL, Šilovs took over the starter net for Vancouver in Game 4 of their first series against the Nashville Predators. During his ten games in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Šilovs went 5-5, with some of his biggest moments being a shutout of the Nashville Predators in Game 6 to win the first-round series and a 42-save performance in Game 4 of the second round versus the Edmonton Oilers. While his body of work at the NHL level is small, Šilovs proved he can step up on the biggest stage and deliver standout performances in the postseason.
According to AFPAnalytics, Šilovs' projected contract is two years at $999,780.00. This would be a massive win for the Canucks as it would keep their backup under $1 million while also keeping the team out of LTIR. Unfortunately, for Vancouver, this type of deal may not be realistic as Šilovs camp will want to see a more significant raise if he is going to be the team's backup next season.
Comparing Šilovs' situation to other goaltenders is complicated because most don't have the same backstory that he does. The only real comparable is Philadelphia Flyers' Samuel Ersson, who signed a two-year contract worth $2.9 million last August. Carrying an AAV of $1.45 million, this is the type of contract Šilovs' and his camp may be aiming for as the situation and age are similar.
At this point of the offseason, Šilovs remaining unsigned is problematic for the Canucks. With the team close to the salary cap ceiling, GM Patrik Allvin needs to know precisely how much money he has available to improve the team ahead of training camp. While this deal may take a while to sort out, locking up Šilovs should remain the top priority for Vancouver this offseason.
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