Kochetkov unavailable for Hurricanes’ season opener, to undergo further evaluation for injury
The Carolina Hurricanes will be without goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov for their season-opening game against the New Jersey Devils on Thursday night, head coach Rod Brind’Amour told reporters, including team reporter Walt Ruff, ahead of the game.
Kochetkov was always likely to serve as the backup behind Frederik Andersen for the game, but he was in good health until getting “nicked up” in practice earlier this week.
Brind’Amour said that Kochetkov would be evaluated on Friday, adding that the situation is “definitely not something we wanted to hear.”
Rod Brind'Amour says goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov will not be available tonight, and he'll be evaluated again tomorrow.
"It's definitely not something we wanted to hear…"
Brandon Bussi will back up Frederik Andersen in this evening's season-opener vs. New Jersey. pic.twitter.com/BtXgkifSSw
Kochetkov’s absence will open the door for Brandon Bussi to serve as the backup to Andersen, at least for the time being. Carolina claimed Bussi off the waiver wire from the Florida Panthers in a bid to add insurance at the third goalie spot.
That move proved wise as the Hurricanes were unable to get incumbent third goalie Cayden Primeau through waivers with the Toronto Maple Leafs taking the opportunity to add Primeau into their mix.
Bussi has spent the past several seasons in the Boston Bruins organization. The 27-year-old has yet to make an appearance in the NHL, but he posted a .907 save percentage with AHL Providence last year.
Kochetkov is coming off a down season that followed an impressive 2023-24 campaign in which he finished fourth place in Calder Trophy voting while going 23-13-4 with a .911 SV%. Last year, his save percentage dipped down to .897 while missing considerable time with a concussion.
Still, his strong overall body of work and untapped potential had him slated to take part in a roughly even split of the crease with Andersen this season.
Given the less-than-stellar record of health Andersen has had over the years, it’s crucial for the Hurricanes that Kochetkov does not miss an extended period of time given the lack of proven depth the organization has beyond the tandem.