Kochetkov's Strong Start Suggests a Step Forward for Carolina
Pyotr Kochetkov has opened 2026-27 with two wins, a 1.95 goals-against average and a .940 save percentage after an injury-shortened previous season. Carolina goalie coach Paul Schonfelder has said he still believes Kochetkov can become an elite NHL goaltender. With Frederik Andersen gone, Kochetkov and Brandon Bussi are carrying the Hurricanes' crease.
Kochetkov’s early 2026-27 numbers include two victories, a 1.95 goals-against average and a .940 save percentage. His most recent outing came Thursday versus Vancouver, where he stopped 18 of 20 shots in Carolina’s 7-2 win. In his first start, he saved 16 of 18 attempts. Last season, hip surgery limited him to nine appearances; he went 6-2-0 with a 2.33 GAA and .899 SV% and rejoined the team during the Final but did not play.
With Frederik Andersen gone, Carolina signed Kochetkov to a two-year extension worth $3.95 million per season. General manager Eric Tulsky described the Kochetkov-Bussi tandem as comfortable, while goalie coach Paul Schonfelder said Kochetkov has top-tier ability and must now seize the role.
If Kochetkov sustains this form, Hurricanes fans and the Raleigh-area hockey community could see greater confidence in the team’s title defense. Teammates may benefit from steadier goaltending, while young goalies might view his recovery and early success as a model. Local interest, merchandise sales, and game-day engagement may rise if the crease remains reliable. Conversely, a downturn could intensify scrutiny on Carolina’s decision to rely on a Kochetkov-Bussi tandem. The impact would likely remain mostly within hockey culture rather than broader society.