Undrafted players rarely make an impact in the NHL but Vancouver Canucks goaltender Nikita Tolopilonis looking to do just that. The 6-foot-6 and 220-pound netminder has seen some games recently as injuries have hit the team. The 25-year-old has been solid all things considered and is looking forward to see full-time duty next season.
Who is Nikita Tolopilo?
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. While those numbers do not scare anyone, his play overall has been good to get him some attention from Canucks management.
Why he should get a full-time shot
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. Vancouver thinks so highly of him that they signed him to a new two-year, two-way deal worth $1.55 million.
Vancouver can find a new team for Demko then Tolopilo slides into a backup role with Vancouver. This audition can also lead to new opportunities as another team may want his services. Either way, he has played well behind a faulty Canucks defense that is average.
Thee Canucks have decisions to be made regarding their goaltending, whether it be this season or the offseason. They have four quality goaltenders in Demko, Lankinen, Tolopilo, and Jiri Patera. All four have been a starter at some point and all have value. With the recent movement of defenseman Quinn Hughes and forward Kiefer Sherwood, a great goaltending move is not out of the question.