The Vancouver Canucks' goaltending depth took a temporary hit on Monday with Nikita Tolopilo being granted a leave of absence after his wife went into labour.
Tolopilo, 25, is immediately flying home to be with his family. In four career games with the Canucks, Tolopilo has a record of 2-2-0, with a 2.97 goals-against average and a .890 save percentage.
In a corresponding roster move, the Canucks recalled goaltender Jiri Patera from the AHL's Abbotsford Canucks.
Patera is expected to join the team ahead of their next contest.
Tolopilo, 22, has a record of 2-2-2 with a 2.89 goals-against average and a .899 save percentage in the AHL. Patera, 26, has appeared in nine career NHL games, eight of which have come with the Vegas Golden Knights. He has a 3-4-1 record, with a 4.01 goals-against average and a .892 save percentage.
Vancouver's goaltending depth has been tested this season with Thatcher Demko sidelined since he was hurt against the Winnipeg Jets on Nov. 12. He was placed on injured reserve. In 10 starts this year, the 29-year-old is 5-4-0 with a 2.80 goals-against average and a .903 save percentage.
Kevin Lankinen returned on Nov. 29 after missing time with an illness.
