The Vancouver Canucks have officially re-signed two key depth players, defenceman Jett Woo and goaltender Nikita Tolopilo, to one-year, two-way contracts, the team announced on Tuesday. The deals allow both players to move between the NHL and AHL without requiring waivers, offering roster flexibility heading into the 2025-26 season.
Jett Woo: Continued Development on the Blue Line
Woo, 23, has been a mainstay on the Canucks’ AHL affiliate, the Abbotsford Canucks, over the past few seasons. A second-round pick in the 2018 NHL Draft (No. 37 overall), Woo has steadily developed into a reliable two-way defenceman known for his physical play and improving offensive instincts.
Last season, Woo appeared in 65 games for Abbotsford, registering 7 goals and 18 assists for 25 points — a career-high. His strong skating and physical edge have kept him in the conversation as a potential call-up option for the NHL club. The new deal gives him another chance to prove he can make the leap to the NHL level.
Nikita Tolopilo: Depth in the Crease
Tolopilo, 24, completed his first season in North America last year with Abbotsford, where he posted a solid performance in net. The Belarusian goaltender appeared in 31 games, recording a 16–12–3 record with a 2.87 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage. His calm presence and athleticism caught the attention of the Canucks’ front office.
Originally signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023, Tolopilo is viewed as a valuable part of the organization’s goaltending pipeline. With this two-way deal, he is expected to continue splitting time in Abbotsford while remaining available for emergency NHL duty.
Canucks Focused on Depth and Development
By re-signing Woo and Tolopilo, the Canucks have reinforced their commitment to internal development and organizational depth. Both players are expected to play important roles in Abbotsford’s upcoming AHL campaign, while providing insurance for the big club in Vancouver.
The two-way contracts underscore the Canucks’ focus on long-term growth, giving promising young players more opportunities to contribute as the team builds toward a return to postseason success.
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