Nikita Tolopilo

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2025-26 season (his most recent)

GP

21

Record

6-11-2

GAA

3.61

SV%

.881

SO

1

Game log

Latest news

• Tolopilo was placed on waivers by the Canucks on Sunday, per Thomas Drance of The Athletic.

  Following Vancouver's claim of Leevi Merilainen off waivers earlier in the week, Tolopilo was bumped down the depth chart. The 26-year-old backstop split time between the majors and minors last season. With Vancouver, he struggled behind a lackluster defense corps, posting a 6-11-2 record, a 3.61 GAA and an .881 save percentage across 21 regular-season appearances. If he clears waivers over the next 24 hours, he's expected to serve as the organization's No. 3 netminder and the lead option for AHL Abbotsford.

  RotoWire via ESPN · Sep 27

• Tolopilo stopped 12 of 14 shots in Thursday's 2-1 preseason loss to the Oilers.

  Tolopilo featured in the first two periods and did a mediocre job against a largely AHL-caliber squad. It's not great for Tolopilo that PTO camp attendee Chris Driedger came in and stopped all seven shots he faced in the third period, keeping the game close despite the loss. Tolopilo is not a lock to start the year as Kevin Lankinen's backup in the absence of Thatcher Demko (hip). The Canucks have one more preseason game, Saturday at home versus the Kraken, which could be telling in regards to which goalies break camp in the NHL.

  RotoWire via ESPN · Sep 25

• Tolopilo will start Thursday's preseason game at home against the Oilers, Canucks play-by-play announcer Brendan Batchelor reports.

  Tolopilo drew the start during Saturday's preseason opener and played the entire game despite allowing four goals on 30 shots. He'll tend the twine once again during the Canucks' penultimate preseason game, but head coach Manny Malhotra wouldn't commit to whether Tolopilo will play the full game against Edmonton.

  RotoWire via ESPN · Sep 24

• Tolopilo turned aside 26 of 30 shots during Saturday's 4-2 preseason loss to the Kraken.

  Tolopilo played the entire preseason opener and faced plenty of shots, but he didn't have an ideal showing. He allowed a pair of first-period goals before giving up two more in the final frame. Thatcher Demko (hip) isn't expected to be a full participant in training camp, which could give Tolopilo an opportunity to serve as Kevin Lankinen's backup to begin the 2026-27 regular season. Still, Chris Driedger will likely have a chance to compete for that role as well.

  RotoWire via ESPN · Sep 20

• Tolopilo is expected to start on the road against Seattle for Saturday's preseason game, per Canucks play-by-play announcer Brendan Batchelor.

  Tolopilo had a 6-11-2 record, 3.61 GAA and .881 save percentage in 21 regular-season outings with Vancouver in 2025-26. If Thatcher Demko (hip) isn't available for the season opener, then Tolopilo will probably start as Kevin Lankinen's understudy. However, Chris Driedger is also in the running for the backup gig after signing a professional tryout offer to attend Vancouver's training camp.

  RotoWire via ESPN · Sep 20

• Tolopilo is slated to compete for an Opening Night roster spot during training camp ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, Thomas Drance of The Athletic reports Monday.

  Tolopilo made a career-high 21 regular-season appearances with the Canucks last year, and he went 6-11-2 with a 3.61 GAA and .881 save percentage. It's not yet clear whether Thatcher Demko (hip) will be ready for the start of training camp this fall, while Kevin Lankinen was inconsistent over 47 regular-season appearances last year. As a result, the Canucks could benefit from beginning the 2026-27 season with three goaltenders on the NHL roster, but Tolopilo will likely need to prove that he's more reliable than other netminders who may become available on the waiver wire or via trade.

  RotoWire via ESPN · Aug 24