Hurricanes’ Pyotr Kochetkov Heading Into a Pivotal 2026-27 Season

Heading into the upcoming 2026-27 season, Carolina Hurricanes’ netminder Pyotr Kochetkov is in an interesting place. After missing most of the 2025-26 season, he enters the final year of his four-year, $8 million deal, which pays him $2 million annually. He finished last season with a 6-2-0 record with a 2.33 goals-against average (GAA), a .899 save percentage (SV%), and one shutout. He did dress for the final three games of the Stanley Cup Final, getting his name on the Stanley Cup. That said, what could the Hurricanes and their fans hope to see from “Pyotr the Great” this season?

Can Kochetkov Stay Healthy?

It’ll be interesting to see if Kochetkov can stay healthy in 2026-27 after hip surgery last season and a concussion in 2024-25. Despite the injury woes, he has won a combined 56 games in three seasons. More importantly, between the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, he had 50 wins in 89 games. During a time when Frederik Andersen was dealing with his own health concerns, Kochetkov was there to help lead the Hurricanes to the playoffs.

Heading into the 2026-27 season, he will be part of a tandem with Brandon Bussi, who signed a three-year, $5.7 million extension back in February. General manager Eric Tulsky said that the Hurricanes are “comfortable” with both guys going into the season after winning the Stanley Cup. It makes sense to stick with those two, especially with how thin the free agent goalie market is right now. Plus, asking prices for goalies are high around the NHL.

Regarding Kochetkov, he has shown in the past that when he is rolling, he is tough to beat most nights in the crease. Over the course of his time in Raleigh, his worst GAA in a season is 2.60 (2024-25), while his best is 2.33 (2023-24 and 2025-26). Plus, he is only 26 years old, while Bussi is 27. Both guys have the chance to be the tandem for the Hurricanes for more than just the 2026-27 season.

However, it’ll come down to Kochetkov staying in the lineup and performing when called upon. While the Hurricanes are still waiting for an official signing, they did give Cayden Primeau a qualifying offer earlier in the offseason. He is a capable third-string goalie in case of injury. The hope is that the Hurricanes don’t have to turn to him this season.

Over the last few seasons, Kochetkov has found a way to balance being patient and his more aggressive style in the crease. Hurricanes goalie coach Paul Schonfelder likes the Russian netminder’s aggressiveness, especially when he pokechecks opponents. However, he has also worked with Kochetkov to use it at the right time. There has been a clear progression in that aspect. Can Kochetkov bring that once again after missing last season, especially in a contract year?

Kochetkov doesn’t fold under pressure, especially in the net. However, players are human, and it would make sense that, with it being a make-or-break season to earn his next paycheck, it could be in the back of his mind. However, the Hurricanes know what he is capable of, and Kochetkov has shown in the past that he can step up to the occasion when called upon. The only thing he will have to worry about is staying healthy. If he can manage to stay on the ice more instead of being out with an injury, he could be in for a big season to earn his next contract. Could that be with the Hurricanes when it’s all said and done after the 2026-27 season?