Latest news with #CalderCup
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
The Party Lives On: Celebrating Artūrs Šilovs' Time With The Canucks
Winning the first Bronze medal in Latvian hockey history. Taking a superpowered Edmonton Oilers team to seven games in the Division Finals. Backstopping his team to their first Calder Cup in franchise history. Making five shutouts in 24 playoff games, three of which came in series-clinchers. While Artūrs Šilovs' journey with the Vancouver Canucks has seemingly ended as of his trade to the Pittsburgh Penguins, there is no shortage of the impact his clutchness has had on the Canucks organization.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Buffalo Sabres sign Jake Leschyshyn to one-year, two-way contract after clutch AHL playoff run
Photo by David Becker/NHLI via Getty Images When your season is on the line, you want a player who thrives under pressure. The Buffalo Sabres announced Tuesday that they've signed 26-year-old forward Jake Leschyshyn to a one-year, two-way contract, adding clutch playoff scoring and leadership to their organizational depth. Jake Leschyshyn isn't just another waiver-wire pickup. He's a player who has built his career on seizing opportunities—even when they come with high stakes. From scoring the inaugural goal for the Henderson Silver Knights to netting series-winners in Hartford's playoff run, Leschyshyn has proven he can step up when it matters most. Now he's set to bring that grit and determination to Buffalo, looking for another shot in the NHL while anchoring the Rochester Americans if needed. From AHL playoff hero to NHL hope: Jake Leschyshyn's gritty journey to Buffalo Sabres Originally a second-round pick by the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017, Jake Leschyshyn's path to Buffalo Sabres has been anything but linear. His early pro years were spent grinding in the AHL with Chicago and then Henderson, where he even made history by scoring the first-ever goal for the Silver Knights in 2020–21. Reflecting on that milestone in Henderson, Leschyshyn said at the time: 'It's special to be part of something new. I just wanted to set the tone for our group.' It was a glimpse of the leadership and poise that would define his career. He finally cracked the NHL roster in 2021–22, getting his debut on October 14 after injuries sidelined Mark Stone and Max Pacioretty. Leschyshyn didn't waste time making an impact, recording his first NHL goal during a 7–4 win over the Vancouver Canucks on November 13. But consistency at the top level was elusive. He tallied two goals and four assists in 41 games with Vegas that season before a tough stretch in 2022–23 left him scoreless in 22 games. Vegas waived him in January 2023, and within 24 hours, the New York Rangers claimed him off waivers—a move that sent him from the desert to the bright lights of Madison Square Garden. Despite the new start, roster moves—including the blockbuster trade for Patrick Kane—forced the Rangers to waive him again, sending him to their AHL affiliate in Hartford. Instead of sulking, Leschyshyn turned adversity into opportunity, racking up 15 points in 18 games during the spring of 2023. That surge helped the Wolf Pack secure their first Calder Cup playoff berth since 2015. The 2023–24 season was another testament to his clutch ability. Though he logged just one NHL appearance—a six-minute stint against the St. Louis Blues—he delivered in Hartford when it mattered most. He scored the series-winning goal against the Providence Bruins, pushing the Wolf Pack into the division finals for the second straight year and finishing the playoffs as the team's top goal scorer. 'Playoffs are when you find out who wants it more,' Leschyshyn said in Hartford after that decisive goal. 'I just wanted to help us keep playing.' Why Jake Leschyshyn's playoff pedigree makes him a smart bet for the Buffalo Sabres The Buffalo Sabres see clear value in that kind of resilience, leadership, and big-game instinct. With this one-year, two-way contract, they're betting on Leschyshyn's ability to push for NHL minutes while serving as a proven, veteran presence for the Rochester Americans. For Leschyshyn, it's yet another chance to prove he belongs on hockey's biggest stage—a challenge he's shown time and again he's ready to embrace when the moment calls for it. Also Read: Chicago Blackhawks sign Anton Frondell to $2.9 million deal as Swedish 'tank' eyes NHL future Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Vancouver Sun
6 days ago
- 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@
Edmonton Journal
6 days ago
- Sport
- Edmonton Journal
Canucks: Towering Nikita Tolopilo doesn't need motivation, but now he has some to spare
Article content The journey is the adventure. Article content 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. Article content Article content 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. Article content Article content 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. Article content 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. Article content 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. Article content Article content 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. Article content Article content Article content 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. Article content '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. Article content '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.'
The Province
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Province
Canucks: Towering Nikita Tolopilo doesn't need motivation, but now he has some to spare
Nikita Tolopilo's long road to the NHL got shorter Sunday when the Canucks traded Arturs Silovs to the Penguins. Get the latest from Ben Kuzma straight to your inbox Vancouver Canucks goaltender Nikita Tolopilo makes overtime save against San Jose Sharks during NHL debut April 14 at Rogers Arena. Photo by ETHAN CAIRNS / THE CANADIAN PRESS The journey is the adventure. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors 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. 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. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 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. Nikita Tolopilo makes save on Nicolas Roy of the Golden Knights on April 16 at Rogers Arena. Vegas won 4-1. Photo by Derek Cain / Getty Images 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. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. '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. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 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. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 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. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 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@ Read More Vancouver Canucks Sports Betting News News GlobeNewswire
