Nikita Quapp, a goalie prospect for the Carolina Hurricanes, is no stranger to standing out—not just due to his impressive 6-foot-4, 203-pound frame, but also because of his skills and experience, despite his young age.
Drafted 187th overall by the Hurricanes in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, Quapp has recently transitioned from Germany’s Eisbaren Berlin, where he had stints with their farm team, Lausitzer Fuchse, to Dusseldorf.
After attending the Hurricanes’ rookie camp, Quapp wasted no time joining his new club’s practice. Reflecting on the camp, he acknowledged the intensity, mentioning early starts, rigorous training sessions, lectures, and medical exams, all compounded by jet lag. However, Quapp found value in the mental coaching, recognizing its future benefits.
Quapp will need this mental fortitude in Dusseldorf, where he’ll be competing in a crowded goaltending landscape. Henrik Haukeland is the team’s established starter, with Quapp likely to face limited opportunities unless he proves himself.
This is a familiar scenario for Quapp, who was third in line at Eisbaren Berlin, primarily gaining experience in the DEL2 league with Lausitzer Fuchse, where he posted a solid .920 save percentage over 26 games.
In Dusseldorf, Quapp will need to overcome the challenge of limited playing time, especially with competition from veteran goalie Felix Bick on the farm team. The team’s new head coach, Steven Reinprecht, a former Stanley Cup champion, will play a crucial role in determining Quapp’s opportunities.
For Quapp, making strides towards his NHL aspirations will require patience and persistence. Drawing inspiration from his father, Waldemar, a former professional goalie, Quapp remains focused on his development. He understands that training alone won’t suffice—he needs actual game time to grow. With the DEL season starting soon, Quapp is determined to stand out once again, both for his height and his on-ice performance.
