Pyotr Kochetkov's return from injury has injected fresh energy into the Carolina Hurricanes, but it also complicates their goaltending situation. Kochetkov made his season debut on Tuesday against the New York Rangers, securing a shutout in a 3-0 victory. He stopped all 25 shots he faced, marking his 11th career shutout and the Hurricanes' first of the season.
Prior to his return, the Hurricanes had been relying on veteran Frederik Andersen and rookie Brandon Bussi. Andersen has started in seven of the Hurricanes' 11 games this season, posting a 2.96 goals-against average and a .894 save percentage. Bussi, in four games, has been statistically better, with a 2.25 GAA and a .916 save percentage.
With Kochetkov now healthy, the Hurricanes have three capable goalies on their roster. This is an unusual situation in the NHL, where most teams prefer to carry just two goalies. Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour acknowledged the challenge but suggested it could benefit the team. Brind'Amour kept Andersen in Raleigh to rest, noting that he wasn't scheduled to play against the Rangers.
Kochetkov's return comes after he was activated from injured reserve on October 31, having recovered from a lower-body injury. He had only played once in the preseason before the injury sidelined him. Last season, Kochetkov played 47 games with a 27-16-3 record, a 2.60 GAA, and a .898 save percentage.
The Hurricanes' goaltending depth has been a topic of discussion, especially with Andersen's history of injuries. Andersen was limited to 22 games last season. The team extended Andersen's contract for one year at $2.75 million, solidifying the tandem of Kochetkov and Andersen for the 2025-26 season. However, the emergence of Bussi as a reliable option adds another layer to the situation.
The Hurricanes' management faces a decision on how to manage their three goalies. Designating one for the AHL's Chicago Wolves or placing Bussi on waivers are potential options, though Bussi's strong performance makes him likely to be claimed by another team. The Hurricanes also recently traded for Cayden Primeau to add depth in the AHL. Primeau could be called up to the main roster in case of injury.
The Hurricanes' next games include a home stretch of five games in six contests, starting against the Minnesota Wild on Thursday night. The team will face its first back-to-back of the season over the weekend, hosting the Sabres on Saturday before heading to Toronto on Sunday. These upcoming games will provide opportunities to assess the goaltending situation and determine the best approach moving forward.
