Pyotr Kochetkov is staying in Carolina on a new two-year, $7.9 million deal, giving the Hurricanes goaltender security before he enters the final season of his current contract. The extension carries a $3.95 million annual cap hit and begins next season.
The 27-year-old Kochetkov would have been eligible to reach unrestricted free agency after this season. Instead, Carolina locked in a goalie who has already handled a sizable workload for the club when healthy.
After the horn
Kochetkov appeared in only nine games last season, making eight starts, after hip trouble interrupted his year. He posted a 6-2-0 record, a 2.33 goals-against average, an .899 save percentage and one shutout before his final appearance on Dec. 20.
Hip surgery followed, keeping him out of game action for the remainder of the regular season and playoffs. He did recover sufficiently to dress during the Stanley Cup Final, serving as Brandon Bussi’s backup after Frederik Andersen was injured, though Kochetkov did not get into a game.
“Pyotr is an exceptionally gifted goalie, and his aggressive approach is a strong match for the way we play,” Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky said. “We trust his ability to win games here and are excited that he wants to keep chasing championships with Carolina.”
Carolina selected Kochetkov in the second round, 36th overall, of the 2019 NHL Draft. Across 125 NHL appearances, including 120 starts, he owns a 71-38-12 record with a 2.46 GAA, a .905 save percentage and 11 shutouts.
| Career | Games | Record | GAA | Save percentage | Shutouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular season | 125 | 71-38-12 | 2.46 | .905 | 11 |
| Stanley Cup Playoffs | 10 | 2-5 | 3.83 | .860 | 0 |
In 10 postseason games, Kochetkov has gone 2-5 with a 3.83 GAA and an .860 save percentage. His new contract gives the Hurricanes another two seasons of cost certainty beyond the coming campaign as they sort out their crease plans.
