The Vancouver Canucks have officially secured the services of goaltender Nikita Tolopilo for another two seasons. The club announced Tuesday that Tolopilo has signed a two-year, two-way contract extension, keeping him within the organization`s depth chart through the 2026-27 season.
The 25-year-old Belarusian netminder is fresh off an impressive campaign where he played a significant role for the AHL`s Abbotsford Canucks, who finished as the league champions in the recently concluded season. In 36 appearances for Abbotsford, he posted a solid 20-14-2 record, coupled with a 2.66 goals-against average and a .902 save percentage. His performance was instrumental in the farm team`s championship run, demonstrating his capability at the minor league level.
Beyond his success in the American Hockey League, Tolopilo also earned his first taste of NHL action with the Vancouver club during the 2024-25 season. Though brief, his time with the main roster saw him appear in two games, where he registered a 1-1 record with a 2.15 GAA and an .885 save percentage. This brief call-up provided valuable experience and gave the Canucks` coaching staff a look at his potential at the sport`s highest level.
Tolopilo`s journey to this extension began when the Canucks signed him as an undrafted free agent in March 2023. This signing highlighted the team`s scouting efforts in identifying talent outside the traditional draft route, a process that appears to be paying dividends with this extension.
The nature of a two-way contract signifies that the player`s salary differs depending on whether they are assigned to the NHL or the AHL. For a developing goaltender like Tolopilo, this structure provides the organization with crucial flexibility, allowing them to move him between leagues as needed. He can continue to refine his game and gain experience in the AHL while remaining readily available for potential call-ups to Vancouver due to injury or performance requirements. It`s the classic minor league pathway: prove your mettle with the farm team, and opportunities in the big league may follow. One might say it`s the pragmatic reality of climbing the professional hockey ladder.
This extension signals the Canucks` belief in Tolopilo`s progression and acknowledges his contribution to the Abbotsford team`s championship success. He is expected to continue providing valuable goaltending depth for the organization, competing for playing time and offering a reliable option should the need arise at the NHL level.
