The Vancouver Canucks organization has secured the services of goaltender Nikita Tolopilo for the next two seasons. The club officially announced the signing of a two-year, two-way contract with the Belarusian netminder on Tuesday.
At 25 years old, Tolopilo is emerging as a key piece of the Canucks` goaltending pipeline. His signing signifies the team`s confidence in his development trajectory following a significant season primarily spent with the Abbotsford Canucks in the American Hockey League (AHL).
Last season, Tolopilo was a stalwart for the Abbotsford squad that went on to claim the AHL championship. In 36 appearances, he posted a solid 20-14-2 record, complemented by a 2.66 goals-against average and a .902 save percentage. His performance was instrumental in guiding the team deep into the playoffs.
Beyond his AHL success, Tolopilo also earned his first taste of National Hockey League action with the Vancouver Canucks. While brief, his NHL debut saw him post a 1-1 record with a 2.15 GAA and an .885 save percentage over two games. Stepping up to the NHL level, even for a limited time, provided valuable experience and offered a glimpse of his potential in the big league.
Tolopilo`s path to this new contract is noteworthy. He originally joined the Canucks as an undrafted free agent signing in March 2023. This underscores his journey from an overlooked prospect to a valued organizational asset, earning his place through performance and dedication.
A two-way contract means Tolopilo is eligible to play for both the NHL`s Vancouver Canucks and their AHL affiliate in Abbotsford. This structure provides the organization with flexibility for managing their goaltending depth while allowing Tolopilo to continue refining his game, likely serving as a primary option in Abbotsford with the opportunity for NHL call-ups as needed. For a developing player like Tolopilo, it offers both stability and the clear goal of pushing for full-time NHL status.
Securing reliable goaltending depth is a constant challenge in professional hockey, and locking in a prospect who has demonstrated capability at both the AHL and, briefly, the NHL level is a prudent move. Tolopilo`s continued presence ensures competition within the goaltending ranks and provides a proven option ready to step in if circumstances require. The next two years will be crucial in determining just how high his ceiling is within the Canucks system.
