After missing the first eleven games of the 2025-26 season, Carolina Hurricanes netminder Pyotr Kochetkov has been out since returning from injury. Upon his return, he had a 3-0 shutout win in his first game against the New York Rangers on November 4, and he hasn’t slowed down since. That said, is he advocating being the Hurricanes’ 1A not only for this season, but for seasons to come?
Kochetkov argues for 1A
Since returning to the lineup for the Hurricanes, Kochetkov has a 4-0-0 record with a 1.70 goals average (GAA) and a .926 save percentage (SV%), along with one shutout (was 9.6 seconds away from a second). Although he has only played in five games, four of which he started, he is once again a pleasant addition to Rod Brind’Amour and his staff. After finishing last season with a 27-16-3 record, a GAA of 2.60 and an SV% of .898, this is another case for Kochetkov to become the Hurricanes’ 1A.
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In 2025-2026, Kochetkov has a 51-29-7 record, a .903 SV%, a 2.48 GAA, six shutouts and three points in 89 games since 2023-2024. He did all of that, with Frederik Andersen missing more than 70 games due to injury over the past two seasons. He set a new career high in wins (27) last season after setting a career high (24) last season.
After Kochetkov’s shutout win against the Rangers said Brind’Amour”That was the difference. Right from the start, in the first period, he had a lot of difficult shots. It just allowed us to settle in. After that, I thought we played great. I don’t know how many shots we gave up, maybe nine in the rest of the game, and one in the third – that’s really good. But the game is completely different when they capitalize.”
Even Jordan Staal has given Kochetkov some praise lately for his stellar play. After their 3-1 win over the Bruins on November 17 the captain stated”Koochie was great. He’s been great for us since he came back. He made some important saves and gave us a great chance to win…”
There were times when Kochetkov had to make saves, but every goalkeeper is currently seeing an increase in scoring across the league. Kochetkov has shown again over the past two seasons and four games this season why he could be the 1A for the Hurricanes in the present and future. The 26-year-old has been one of the team’s most consistent goalkeepers. Despite the occasional injury, he was the most available season in and season out.
Additionally, Kochetkov signed with the Hurricanes last season. He is currently in the third season of his four-year, $8 million contract, which pays him $2 million per year. If you’re looking at free agent goalies next summer, unrestricted (UFA) or restricted (RFA), it makes sense to let Kochetkov be the 1A and find a suitable 1B as his tandem partner. Daniil Tarasov ($1.050 million, UFA) could be an option if they look at free agency. Could a transaction take place? Maybe. The best possible course of action might be to extend Brandon Bussi and Cayden Primeau for next season so they have a one through three on the depth chart.
Related: Hurricanes’ Ehlers and Svechnikov have been catalysts for the November run
Regardless, Kochetkov has proven he could be the Hurricanes’ 1A after a great start to the season, especially after missing the first 11 games and preseason due to injury. He has given a big boost to the crease and has earned more playing time. It will be interesting to see how the Hurricanes will manage their starts, having Kochetkov, Andersen and Bussi (who is eligible for a waiver) on the roster.
The Hurricanes face the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday night (Nov. 19) in their second game of the four-game road trip. While he played against the Bruins, there is a chance Kochetkov could play against the Winnipeg Jets on Friday, November 21, or against the Buffalo Sabers on November 23. It all comes down to whether the Hurricanes will play Bussi in any of the other games to keep him fresh and not let him get rusty. Furthermore, expect “The Nyetminder” to be back in the fold during the road trip.
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