Canucks Season Shifts to Player Development

As the 2025-26 NHL season enters its final 30 games, the Vancouver Canucks are no longer contenders for the playoffs. Instead, the team's focus has pivoted to securing a high draft pick and fostering the growth of their younger players. This shift also involves evaluating the long-term prospects of the current veteran roster. A significant development opportunity may arise for goaltender Nikita Tolopilo. The 25-year-old has shown promise in limited NHL appearances and could be given more starts. This increased responsibility for Tolopilo is contingent on Thatcher Demko being sidelined for the remainder of the season, a decision the organization is still considering. If Demko is out, Tolopilo would share the crease with Kevin Lankinen. While Lankinen is expected to play a majority of games before representing Finland in the 2026 Winter Olympics, the final 25 games present a chance for Tolopilo to prove his capabilities. A near 50/50 split of starts, approximately 13 games for Tolopilo, would benefit his development. Vancouver's schedule post-Olympic break is favorable, with most games played within the Pacific Time Zone and minimal travel. This home-heavy schedule, with only three back-to-back series, makes managing goaltender workload feasible. Trades are anticipated, potentially opening roster spots for players from the Abbotsford Canucks, further enhancing the evaluation of emerging talent and informing future team-building decisions for the 2026-27 season.