Dustin Tokarski

Dustin Tokarski
Tokarski with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in 2018
Born	(1989-09-16) September 16, 1989 (age 34) Humboldt, Saskatchewan, Canada
Height	6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Weight	205 lb (93 kg; 14 st 9 lb)
Position	Goaltender
Catches	Left
NHL team (P) Cur. team Former teams	Buffalo Sabres Rochester Americans  (AHL) Tampa Bay Lightning Montreal Canadiens Anaheim Ducks Pittsburgh Penguins
NHL draft	122nd overall, 2008 Tampa Bay Lightning
Playing career	2009–present

Dustin Michael Tokarski (born September 16, 1989) is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was born in Humboldt, Saskatchewan, but grew up in neighbouring Watson, which he considers his hometown. ^{[1] [2]}

Tokarski led the Spokane Chiefs of the Western Hockey League (WHL) to the 2008 Memorial Cup and was named the top goaltender and most valuable player of the tournament. Tokarski then backstopped Canada to their fifth consecutive gold medal at the 2009 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. He was originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the fifth round, 122nd overall, at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. He has won the American Hockey League's (AHL) Calder Cup twice: first with the Norfolk Admirals in 2012, and then with the Charlotte Checkers in 2019.

Playing career

Minor/junior

Tokarski played midget for the Prince Albert Mintos and led the team to capture the Telus Cup, Canada's midget hockey championship in 2006. Tokarski had three shutouts and a 1.98 goals against average (GAA) for the Mintos. ^[3] He was added to the protected list of the Western Hockey League (WHL)'s Spokane Chiefs in December. He played a combined 30 games in his first season with Spokane, posting a record of 13 wins, 11 losses and 2 overtime losses. Tokarski then took over as the Chiefs' starting goaltender in 2007–08. He played every game for the Chiefs in the playoffs, leading them to the Ed Chynoweth Cup by conceding just 31 goals in 21 playoff games. ^[4] The Chiefs' title earned them a berth in the 2008 Memorial Cup, Canada's national junior championship. With Tokarski in net, Spokane won all three games in the round robin to earn a berth in the championship game. Tokarski made 53 saves in the final as Spokane defeated the Ontario Hockey League (OHL)'s Kitchener Rangers to claim the Chiefs' second Memorial Cup championship in franchise history. ^[5] His performance earned him the Hap Emms Memorial Trophy as the tournament's outstanding goaltender, and the Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy as the most valuable player. ^[6] Tokarski was selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the fifth round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. ^[7]

Professional

Tokarski with the Hamilton Bulldogs during the 2013–14 season.

Tampa Bay Lightning

Tokarski made the transition to professional hockey during the 2009–10 season, primarily playing for the Lightning's American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Norfolk Admirals. In 55 games for the Admirals, Tokarski amassed a 27–25–3 record. He made his NHL debut on January 19, 2010, against the New York Rangers, replacing Antero Niittymäki in the third period after the latter had surrendered six goals. ^[8]

Tokarski made his first NHL start on March 8, 2012, against the Washington Capitals. He had 29 saves on 32 shots and let three pucks by for a 3–2 Lightning overtime loss. He and the Admirals would eventually go on to win the Calder Cup as AHL champions.

Montreal Canadiens

On February 14, 2013, Tokarski was traded to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for goaltender Cédrick Desjardins. ^[9]

On March 5, 2014, Tokarski played his first game with Montreal, a 4–3 shootout victory over the Anaheim Ducks. On March 16, he recorded his first NHL shutout in a 2–0 win over the Buffalo Sabres, stopping all 29 of Buffalo's shots. On 19 May, it was announced Tokarski would be starting in place of Montreal's Carey Price due to a suspected sprained knee Price sustained against the New York Rangers. ^[10] He started Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Rangers but stumbled in his first playoff game with a 3–1 loss. He remained solid in the third period but the Canadiens had problems getting goal scoring. In Game 3, Tokarski made 35 saves on 37 shots to help the Canadiens win 3–2 in overtime, cutting the Rangers' series lead to 2–1. In Game 4, he played well and had a good chance to have a win but lost in overtime, 3–2. In Game 5, he then led the team to a 7–4 win, staving off elimination and reducing the Rangers' lead to 3–2 in the series. ^[11] In Game 6, he stopped 31 shots on 32 shots to give his team a chance to win. ^[12] Although the Canadiens lost the series 4–2 against New York, Tokarski's performance earned high praises. ^[13]

Following the conclusion of the Canadiens' 2014–15 pre-season, goaltender Peter Budaj was traded to the Winnipeg Jets on October 6, 2014, effectively leaving Tokarski as Carey Price's backup for the regular season. ^[14]

Tokarski with the Montreal Canadiens in 2015

At the beginning of the 2015–16 season, on October 5, 2015, Tokarski was placed on waivers, ending his tenure as backup goaltender for the NHL club. ^[15] After fellow Canadiens' prospect Mike Condon had a strong showing in training camp, the team took him over Tokarski. ^[16]

Anaheim Ducks

On January 7, 2016, Tokarski was traded to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Max Friberg. ^[17] His lone appearance for the Ducks came on October 28, 2016, where he stopped all five shots faced in relief during a 4–0 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. ^[18] Tokarski went 17–8–1 for the Ducks' AHL affiliate, the San Diego Gulls.

Philadelphia Flyers

On October 9, 2017, Tokarski was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for future considerations. ^[19]

New York Rangers

Tokarski during his run to the Calder Cup with the Checkers in 2019.

On August 20, 2018, as a free agent, Tokarski signed a one-year, two-way contract with the New York Rangers. ^[20] He was assigned to the Rangers AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, to begin the 2018–19 season. Tokarski was rotated through starts during the season with the Wolf Pack, and made 21 appearances for 10 wins. He was recalled to the Rangers' roster on two occasions however did not play. On February 28, 2019, Tokarski was re-assigned by the Rangers to the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL. In a related move the Checkers NHL affiliate, the Carolina Hurricanes re-assigned prospect Josh Wesley from the Checkers to the Wolf Pack. ^[21] In joining the Checkers, adding a veteran presence as the team's backup, Tokarski went undefeated in 7 regular season games and 5 playoff contests to help the Checkers claim the Calder Cup, his second AHL championship.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins

On July 8, 2019, Tokarski signed a one-year contract with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. He followed Mike Vellucci, who was his head coach with the Checkers. ^[22]

Buffalo Sabres

On November 4, 2020, Tokarski joined his sixth NHL organization, signing as a free agent to a two-year, two-way contract with the Buffalo Sabres. ^[23] He made his first NHL appearance since the 2016–17 season on March 22, 2021 against the New York Rangers. ^{[24] [25]} On April 15, 2021, Tokarski earned his first NHL win since December 2015 in a 5–2 victory over the Washington Capitals. ^[26]

Pittsburgh Penguins

On July 13, 2022, Tokarski rejoined the Pittsburgh Penguins organization, signing a one year, one-way deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins for an average annual value of $775,000. ^[27]

Return to Buffalo

As a free agent at the conclusion of his contract with the Penguins, Tokarski opted to return to previous club, the Buffalo Sabres, in signing a one-year, two-way contract on July 1, 2023. ^[28]

International play

Medal record
Representing Canada
ice hockey
World Junior Championship
	2009 Canada

Tokarski was named to Canada's roster for the 2009 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. He struggled during the tournament, entering the final as the eighth-best tournament goaltender statistically, though he led Canada to thrilling 7–4 and 6–5 wins over the United States and Russia, respectively. ^[29] Tokarski played his best game in the final, posting 39 saves on 40 shots as Canada defeated Sweden 5–1 to win its fifth consecutive gold medal. ^[30]

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

				Regular season										Playoffs
Season	Team	League		GP	W	L	OTL	MIN	GA	SO	GAA	SV%		GP	W	L	MIN	GA	SO	GAA	SV%
2006–07	Spokane Chiefs	WHL		30	13	11	2	1674	78	2	2.80	.903		6	2	4	364	17	0	2.80	.901
2007–08	Spokane Chiefs	WHL		45	30	10	3	2543	87	6	2.05	.922		21	16	5	1352	31	3	1.38	.944
2008–09	Spokane Chiefs	WHL		54	34	18	2	3264	107	7	1.97	.937		12	7	5	812	23	1	1.70	.947
2009–10	Norfolk Admirals	AHL		55	27	25	3	3319	139	4	2.51	.915		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2009–10	Tampa Bay Lightning	NHL		2	0	0	0	44	3	0	4.06	.813		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2010–11	Norfolk Admirals	AHL		46	21	20	4	2691	119	2	2.65	.901		6	2	4	355	13	1	2.19	.924
2011–12	Norfolk Admirals	AHL		45	32	11	0	2583	96	5	2.23	.913		14	12	2	866	21	3	1.46	.944
2011–12	Tampa Bay Lightning	NHL		5	1	3	1	244	14	0	3.45	.879		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2012–13	Syracuse Crunch	AHL		33	18	8	4	1881	77	3	2.46	.900		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2012–13	Hamilton Bulldogs	AHL		15	6	8	0	836	31	3	2.22	.927		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2013–14	Hamilton Bulldogs	AHL		41	20	16	3	2375	94	1	2.38	.919		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2013–14	Montreal Canadiens	NHL		3	2	0	0	163	5	1	1.84	.946		5	2	3	300	13	0	2.60	.916
2014–15	Montreal Canadiens	NHL		17	6	6	4	1005	46	0	2.75	.910		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2014–15	Hamilton Bulldogs	AHL		2	1	1	0	119	5	0	2.52	.919		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2015–16	St. John's IceCaps	AHL		10	3	3	4	613	29	0	2.84	.909		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2015–16	Montreal Canadiens	NHL		6	1	3	0	226	12	0	3.18	.878		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2015–16	San Diego Gulls	AHL		2	1	1	0	102	4	0	2.35	.920		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2016–17	San Diego Gulls	AHL		27	17	8	1	1578	77	1	2.93	.898		2	0	0	30	0	0	0.00	1.000
2016–17	Anaheim Ducks	NHL		1	0	0	0	10	0	0	0.00	1.000		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2017–18	Lehigh Valley Phantoms	AHL		39	20	8	2	2127	94	5	2.65	.915		3	1	1	130	9	0	4.17	.859
2018–19	Hartford Wolf Pack	AHL		21	10	6	2	1141	59	1	3.10	.901		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2018–19	Charlotte Checkers	AHL		7	7	0	0	419	8	1	1.14	.956		5	5	0	275	8	0	1.74	.935
2019–20	Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins	AHL		18	9	5	2	915	30	1	1.97	.924		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2020–21	Rochester Americans	AHL		2	1	1	0	120	5	0	2.51	.932		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2020–21	Buffalo Sabres	NHL		13	2	8	2	730	43	0	3.54	.904		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2021–22	Buffalo Sabres	NHL		29	10	12	5	1672	91	1	3.27	.899		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2022–23	Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins	AHL		36	12	16	7	2118	95	1	2.69	.910		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2022–23	Pittsburgh Penguins	NHL		4	1	2	0	210	12	0	3.44	.897		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2023–24	Rochester Americans	AHL		24	11	9	3	1408	78	0	3.32	.890		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
NHL totals				80	23	34	12	4,303	226	2	3.15	.902		5	2	3	300	13	0	2.60	.916

International

Year	Team	Event		GP	W	L	T	MIN	GA	SO	GAA	SV%
2009	Canada	WJC		4	4	0	0	249	11	0	2.65	.906
Junior totals				4	4	0	0	249	11	0	2.65	.906

Awards and honours

Tokarski with the Syracuse Crunch in 2012

Award	Year
Midget
Telus Cup Championship	2006
CHL
Memorial Cup (Spokane Chiefs)	2008
Memorial Cup All-Star Team	2008	[31]
Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy	2008
Hap Emms Memorial Trophy	2008
WHL West Second All-Star Team	2009
AHL
Calder Cup (Norfolk Admirals)	2012
All-Star Game	2014
Calder Cup (Charlotte Checkers)	2019	[32]

References

1. Marc DeFoy (May 25, 2014). "Chicane de clochers". Le Journal de Montréal (in French). p. 104.
2. "Canadiens Dustin Tokarski thrills hometown fans". CBC News. May 23, 2014. Retrieved May 25, 2014.
3. "Dustin Tokarski prospect profile". hockeysfuture.com. April 3, 2012. Retrieved April 3, 2012.
4. Flett, Cory; Watts, Jessie (eds.). 2008–09 WHL Guide. Western Hockey League. p. 122.
5. Bell, Aaron. "2008 Mastercard Memorial Cup history". Canadian Hockey League. Archived from the original on March 25, 2009. Retrieved January 10, 2009.
6. Beasley, Mike. "Spokane captures second Memorial Cup championship". Hockey Now. Archived from the original on October 6, 2011. Retrieved January 10, 2009.
7. "Dustin Tokarski player card". Tampa Bay Lightning. Archived from the original on September 26, 2008. Retrieved January 10, 2009.
8. "Lightning vs. Rangers - Box Score - January 19, 2010".
9. "Canadiens acquire Tokarski from Lightning". Montreal Canadiens. February 14, 2013. Retrieved February 14, 2013.
10. "Dustin Tokarski makes NHL playoff debut". CBC. May 19, 2014. Retrieved May 19, 2014.
11. Tokarski makes believers of Habs, ESPN
12. "Canadiens vs. Rangers Game 6 Boxscore". National Hockey League. Retrieved May 29, 2014.
13. Basu, Arpon. "Canadiens provide no support for Tokarski". National Hockey League. Retrieved May 30, 2014.
14. "Canadiens trade Budaj to Jets". National Hockey League. October 6, 2014. Retrieved October 6, 2014.
15. "The Montreal Canadiens place Dustin Tokarski on waivers, finalize roster". Eyes On The Prize, Vox Media, Inc. October 5, 2015. Retrieved October 5, 2015.
16. Zwolinski, Mark (October 7, 2015). "New Canadiens backup goalie Mike Condon was once focused on Wall Street for his career". The Toronto Star. ISSN   0319-0781 . Retrieved January 13, 2016.
17. "Canadiens acquire right winger Max Friberg from the Anaheim Ducks in return for Dustin Tokarski". nhl.com. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
18. "Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Anaheim Ducks - Box Score - October 28, 2016 | FOX Sports". Archived from the original on October 12, 2017. Retrieved October 12, 2017.
19. "Flyers acquire Tokarski from Ducks". The Sports Network. October 9, 2017. Retrieved October 9, 2017.
20. "Rangers agree to terms with Dustin Tokarski". New York Rangers. August 20, 2018. Retrieved August 20, 2018.
21. "Checkers get Tokarski from Rangers". American Hockey League. February 28, 2019. Retrieved February 28, 2019.
22. "Penguins sign Goaltender Dustin Tokarski". Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. July 8, 2019. Retrieved July 8, 2019.
23. "Sabres sign Goaltender Dustin Tokarski". CBS Sports . November 4, 2020. Retrieved November 4, 2020.
24. "Sabres' Dustin Tokarski: Ascends to active roster". CBSSports.com. March 22, 2021. Retrieved April 16, 2021.
25. "Sabres' Dustin Tokarski: Forced into action Monday". CBSSports.com. March 23, 2021. Retrieved April 16, 2021.
26. "Sabres' Dustin Tokarski: Earns first win since 2015-16". CBSSports.com. April 16, 2021. Retrieved April 16, 2021.
27. "Penguins sign goaltender Dustin Tokarski to a one-year contract". Pittsburgh Penguins. July 13, 2022. Retrieved July 13, 2022.
28. "Tokarski returns to Buffalo on 1-year contract". Buffalo Sabres. July 1, 2023. Retrieved July 1, 2023.
29. Love, Noah (January 4, 2009). "Canada's Tokarski to start in net against Sweden". National Post. Retrieved January 10, 2009.^{[ permanent dead link ]}
30. "Canada defeats Sweden to win fifth straight WJHC gold". TSN. January 6, 2009. Retrieved January 10, 2009.
31. "Memorial Cup All-Star Teams". Memorial Cup. May 23, 2014. Archived from the original on January 7, 2016. Retrieved 2014-05-23.
32. "Check and Mate! Charlotte wins Calder Cup". American Hockey League. June 8, 2019. Retrieved June 8, 2019.

External links

• Biographical information and career statistics from NHL.com , or  Eliteprospects.com , or  Hockey-Reference.com , or  The Internet Hockey Database