Jan 17, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks goalie Nikita Tolopilo (60) makes a save against the Edmonton Oilers in the third period at Rogers Arena.

Photo credit: Bob Frid – Imagn Images.

Vancouver Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin has announced a roster move between the pipes following the team’s loss last night to the New Jersey Devils.

It was a close one and despite their comeback attempt, the New Jersey Devils were able to pick up the win by a score of 5-4 thanks to a multi-goal effort from former sixth overall pick Cody Glass, who added an assist too.

With the eight-game homestand now at the halfway point, the Canucks are hoping to get back into the win column and head into the Olympic break, starting on February 5th, on a positive note.

Vancouver Canucks announce roster move following Friday’s loss to New Jersey Devils

On Saturday morning, the Vancouver Canucks announced on social media that goaltender Nikita Tolopilo is coming back up to the National Hockey League, on emergency conditions, while Jiri Patera has been assigned to the American Hockey League’s Abbotsford Canucks.

“General Manager Patrik Allvin announced today that G Jiri Patera has been assigned to Abbotsford (AHL) and G Nikita Tolopilo has been recalled from Abbotsford under emergency conditions.” the Canucks said on X.

With Thatcher Demko reportedly going to be shut down for the remainder of the 2025-26 campaign, the Vancouver Canucks would be wise to keep Nikita Tolopilo up in the NHL to form a tandem with Kevin Lankinen and given that the club is well out of the playoff picture, they should consider giving the 25-year-old a good chunk of the starts between now and the end of the regular season.

In six games this season with the Canucks, Tolopilo has a record of 2-3-0 with a 3.98 goals against average and an .881 save percentage.

We’ll have to wait and see tomorrow what the team’s plans are, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to anyone if Nikita Tolopilo is given the start against Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins, with puck drop for that contest set for 3 p.m. PT.

Previously on Vancouver Hockey Daily

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Vancouver Canucks complete transaction under emergency conditions after the teams latest announcement

Should Nikita Tolopilo get the start between the pipes tomorrow afternoon against the Pittsburgh Penguins?