We are back with our 2025 mid-season edition of our CanucksArmy top 20 Vancouver Canucks prospect rankings.

If you are curious about our ranking criteria, check them out in our Honourable Mentions installment.

Team: Abbotsford Canucks | Age: 24 | Position: Goalie | Height: 6’6″ | Weight: 229 lbs | Catches: Left | Drafted: Undrafted | Last year’s rank: 20

Aside from maybe Jett Woo, Nikita Tolopilo is our first-ranked prospect who takes a significant hit based on his age and spot within the Canucks’ depth chart.

Turning 25 in early April, he’s just a few short weeks away from being held off this list, meaning that the clock is ticking for him to move toward becoming an NHL goaltender.

The good news is that he’s been excellent for the Abbotsford Canucks for two consecutive years now and providing excellent depth for this organization.

If we’re being honest, he’s probably been the more consistent goaltender between him and Arturs Silovs in his tenure.

Brought in through free agency right before the 2023-24 season, the Belarusian has been a feel-good story and does not feel far from earning a look at the NHL level. He came in as one of the top goaltenders on the Swedish circuit and has brought that same composure to the American League ice surface.

The towering netminder is cool, calm, and collected both on and off the ice. He never seems to get rattled often between the pipes.

Along with Silovs, he’s had his up-and-down moments during the 2024-25 campaign but has managed to keep the Canucks competitive with 12 wins and three shutouts – tied for second most leaguewide – two of which came in back-to-back fashion.

The back-to-back environment of the AHL makes it challenging to put a tag on it, but based on who has typically got the start on Fridays, it’s arguable that Tolopilo has earned the title of “starting goaltender” down in the farm as of late.

He has the seventh-highest number of wins on the season (12), and his 2.66 goals against average is competitive among those who see games consistently.

So, what’s the issue if he’s been consistent and strong between the pipes? The easy answer is the depth chart. He currently stands behind a Vezina-nominated starter in Thatcher Demko, a bright free agent who has dazzled all year in Kevin Lankinen, and a homegrown talent who stole the show during the NHL playoffs last year in Arturs Silovs.

With a crowded crease that includes an injured Jiri Patera and up-and-coming youngsters such as Ty Young and Aku Koskenvuo, he has his work cut out for him to remain competitive within this system. And it does not bode well for him that he is just one of two on that pro list without a contract heading into next season (Restricted Free Agent).

When at his best, he is playing a tall but athletic game. As mentioned above, he takes a very calm and composed approach to the ice.

Ceiling: Tolpilo brings many intriguing qualities to the table. While his ceiling may not cater to a full-fledged NHL starter, there is no reason to discredit him from being a backup in the NHL. He checks off many boxes, and as Goaltending Coach Marko Torenius has been quoted in the past, he’s very coachable.

Floor: No question he can hold down a starting job in the American League. But is that enough? As an RFA this summer, could he move back across the pond to earn a higher paycheck if he doesn’t see a pathway toward the NHL? After all, he is a starter at the AHL, SHL or KHL levels.

ETA: At this point, it’s a simple matter of opportunity. With so many question marks atop the depth chart, predicting when he could see his first look is a gamble. Given his play thus far, he’s undoubtedly warranted the opportunity when asked.

That’s our #13 spot. Stay tuned for another installment tomorrow here at CanucksArmy.