Gulls recall Tomáš Suchánek, shuffle netminders with ECHL

San Diego recalled 22-year-old netminder Tomáš Suchánek from the Tulsa Oilers (ECHL) on Jan. 15, while assigning 23-year-old Vyacheslav Buteyets back to Tulsa as the organization manages its goaltending pipeline. The move gives the Gulls an extra option in net and the roster flexibility to juggle starts and injury cover down the stretch.

Suchánek has seen brief AHL action this season, posting a 0-0-2 record with a 1.91 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage in two appearances for San Diego. He has also played 11 games for Tulsa this season, going 3-7-0 with a 4.39 GAA and .884 save percentage. Across his AHL career with the Gulls, Suchánek has a 2.85 GAA, .911 save percentage and three shutouts in 31 games; those three shutouts are tied for third all-time among Gulls goaltenders.

The recall returns Suchánek to the AHL crease after he missed the entire 2024-25 season recovering from a lower-body injury. Developmentally, that makes this stint important for both his minutes and the club’s evaluation ahead of the final months of the schedule. Suchánek also brings international pedigree, having represented the Czech Republic at multiple junior events and turning heads with a standout showing at the 2023 World Junior Championship.

Buteyets, who is being reassigned to Tulsa, has combined for an 8-10-0 record in 17 appearances between San Diego and Tulsa this season and was 1-3-0 with the Gulls before the move. He earned his first AHL victory on Nov. 26, 2025 at Tucson, stopping 39 of 42 shots, a performance that demonstrated his ability to handle heavy workloads and suggests he’ll be an important starter for Tulsa down the stretch.

For fans and local supporters, the transaction matters because it affects who’s available for starts, how practice reps are allocated, and which goalie might draw a call to the NHL club if another move becomes necessary. The AHL-ECHL shuffle also signals how the Gulls plan to protect playing time and confidence for both young goaltenders: Suchánek gets a shot in the AHL environment while Buteyets can chase consistent starts and workload in Tulsa.

Expect the club to continue rotating netminders based on form, health and matchup needs. For readers following prospect progression, Suchánek’s return to San Diego is the next chapter in a comeback trail that could shape the Gulls’ crease plans into spring.