In a turn of events that few expected just months ago, the Carolina Hurricanes have officially assigned goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov to AHL Chicago for a conditioning stint. It’s a move that suggests Kochetkov might be an option in the playoffs after all, despite the 26-year-old undergoing what was originally feared to be season-ending lower-body surgery back on December 20. MISRYOUM reports that the goalie is eligible to remain in the minors for up to six days or three games, whichever comes first, unless the team successfully petitions the NHL for an extension. Honestly, it’s a surprising development for a player whose season felt all but finished before the leaves even turned.
Kochetkov’s path to this point has been defined by frustration. Dealing with lower-body issues since training camp, he struggled to find his rhythm, finally making his season debut in November after a brief stop in Chicago. He never reached 100% health, forcing him to cycle in and out of the lineup for several weeks. Before electing for surgery, he managed a 6-2-0 record with a .899 SV% and a 2.33 GAA across nine appearances. It was a disjointed campaign, to say the least, for a player who has been a constant presence for the club over the last four postseason runs.
Carolina’s goaltending situation remains the talk of the town.
In Kochetkov’s absence, Brandon Bussi has seized the starter’s crease. Bussi, a preseason waiver claim, has posted a 30-6-1 record in 37 starts. While those wins look impressive on the stat sheet, his .890 SV% and 2.52 GAA tell a more complicated story. Per MISRYOUM, Bussi ranks 26th out of 48 goalies who have played 30-plus games this season with a -0.3 goals saved above expected. He has been a serviceable piece, but he hasn’t exactly been a brick wall. Kochetkov’s return acts as a necessary, if slightly risky, insurance policy for Rod Brind’Amour’s roster as they look toward the postseason.
Whether Kochetkov can shake off the rust remains the biggest question mark. Throwing a netminder into the playoff fire after such a lengthy absence is a roll of the dice for any organization. However, Kochetkov’s 6.0 GSAx performance in the 2024-25 campaign serves as a reminder of his potential ceiling. While Bussi is overwhelmingly likely to hold the crease for Game 1, he will almost certainly be on a short leash. If the goal is to stabilize the crease, the team has signaled that they aren’t willing to bank everything on a single option, especially given the persistent inconsistencies they have faced in the blue paint this year.