"A goaltender with tremendous size, Tolopilo made his NHL debut on April 14, 2025 against the San Jose Sharks. He was called up to the show only days earlier on an emergency basis. He played well and made 15 saves to secure his first NHL win in a 2-1 victory. He has spent most of his pro career with the Abbotsford Canucks of the American Hockey League, affilaite of Vancouver."
"While he is expected to be sent down once Thatcher Demko returns and fill the starter duties with Abbotsford, this is an audition for Tolopilo. He played well earlier this season with the AHL Canucks, posting a record of 4-4-3 with a 3.02 goals against average and a .900 save percentage. That play earned him a call-up and he has been solid since the call-up, posting a 2-3 record with an .881 save percentage and a 3.98 goals against average."
"Tolopilo is playing for next season. he is trying to earn the backup spot in Vancouver or a starter job elsewhere. With Demko injured again and expected to be out until atleast February 28, Tolopilo can show the organization he can step in and be insurance for the team at a much lower price. Demko has been injury-prone the past few seasons and Tolopilo can play the backup role to Kevin Lankinen."
Nikita Tolopilo is a 25-year-old undrafted 6-foot-6, 220-pound goaltender who received an emergency NHL call-up and debuted on April 14, 2025. He made 15 saves in a 2-1 victory for his first NHL win. He spent most of his professional career with the Abbotsford Canucks in the AHL. His AHL numbers were 4-4-3 with a 3.02 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage. Since the NHL call-up he is 2-3 with a .881 save percentage and a 3.98 GAA. Vancouver signed him to a two-year, two-way contract worth $1.55 million. With Thatcher Demko injured into late February, Tolopilo is auditioning for a backup role behind Kevin Lankinen or for a starting opportunity elsewhere.
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