It's early, but it feels like a new year, new Danila Klimovich â€“ and the Abbotsford Canucks forward displayed that in a big way during the club's 3-1 home opener win over the San Diego Gulls on Friday (Oct. 25).

Klimovich had one goal, one assist and led the Canucks with five shots on goal. He played a regular shift in the top-six, played power play and established himself physically.

His two goals already this season has equalled his total from 2023-24 – a season that saw him struggle to crack the lineup and when he did he wasn't all that effective.

THEY DON'T CALL HIM THE KLIM-REAPER FOR NOTHING 💪

— Abbotsford Canucks (@abbycanucks)

But with new head coach Manny Malhotra, the hulking Belarusian former second round draft pick may be in the midst of a career resurrection. He's still only 21 and Malhotra told media after the game that he recognized the potential Klimovich has.

"Obviously there's a big frame there that can move really well and then with that shot and getting him into quality scoring chances – he could do some damage with that," he said. "He's a very intriguing player because of the tool set that he has. And with the minutes he's been given so far this year, he's done a good job earning them."

Puck is dropped for the 2024-25 home opener. The are in town

— Ben Lypka (@BenLypka)

Malhotra added that Klimovich's confidence is up and he understands what's expected of him in this system. 

Klimovich himself stated that he feels that Malhotra trusts him and he has to continue playing hard. His rookie season saw him score 17 goals as an 18-year-old in the AHL, but last season was considered to be a step back. If Klimovich can continue his early strong play, the Canucks organization may have a future power forward in the making.

Outside of the Klimovich show, Friday saw another solid performance from goalie Nikita Tolopilo. He made 19 saves to earn his third win on the season. He's sporting a 1.62 goals against average, a .932 save percentage and a perfect record.

The Gulls got on the board first, with Yegor Sidorov opening the scoring at 2:57 of the first. Klimovich tied the game up on the power play at 9:22 of the first, with Aatu Räty redirecting a Jonathan Lekkerimäki shot at 13:27 to put the Canucks up 2-1 after one.

Räty parked in front 🚗

— Abbotsford Canucks (@abbycanucks)

Abbotsford dominated in the second, outshooting San Diego 15-1 and Mark Friedman scored to make it 3-1 at 11:28. The power play goal featured a perfect set-up from rookie forward Ty Mueller. The 2023 fourth round pick found himself on the second line and also earned some power play time. Malhotra said Mueller has impressed the staff early.

"He surprises us daily just in terms of what he's capable of doing," he said of Mueller. "Being a young guy there's not a grea deal of expectations put on him, but he's making some quality touches offensively, making some smart reads and his physicality."

Perfectly placed 🎯

Ty Mueller's assist on this goal was also his first AHL point!

— Abbotsford Canucks (@abbycanucks)

He also praised Mueller's skating ability. That assist was Mueller's first point in the AHL.

Abbotsford outshot San Diego 38-20 in the game, with Klimovich (five) and Max Sasson (four) leading the way. The power play, which was 1/19 heading into Friday was an effective 2/4. San Diego went 0/1 on their lone power play.

A GULL-ORIOUS HOME OPENER 🤩

— Abbotsford Canucks (@abbycanucks)

Reported attendance for the home opener was 4,638.

The Canucks record moved to 3-1-0-1 and they rank third in the Pacific Division. San Diego dropped to 1-4-0-0 and they are in 10th place in the Pacific. 

The two teams meet again on Saturday (Oct. 26). Face-off is set for 7 p.m. inside the Abbotsford Centre.