Hurricanes’ Kochetkov Showing Signs of Reaching the Next Level

The 2025-26 season was one of missed opportunities for Carolina Hurricanes netminder Pyotr Kochetkov. After playing nine games last season, finishing 6-2-0 with an .899 save percentage (SV%) and a 2.33 goals-against average, he missed the rest of the season and most of the playoffs with hip surgery. He did return for Games 4 through 6 of the Stanley Cup Final but never saw the ice. So far through two starts, the Russian goalie is showing early signs of taking the next step in his career. Is he on his way to becoming elite?

Kochetkov on the Path to Becoming Elite?

Before the 2026-27 season began, Hurricanes goalie coach Paul Schonfelder spoke with team reporter Walt Ruff to discuss the goaltending situation, especially with Frederik Andersen not returning. That said, there were some indications that the pressure would be on Kochetkov and Brandon Bussi as the tandem heading into the season. Back in December 2025, Schonfelder, on the latest Storm Report podcast at the time, mentioned how he believes Kochetkov could still be an elite goalie in the NHL.

When asked about it again, seeing if he still believed that, Schonfelder stated, “I do. Again, obviously it’s a bit of a change not having Freddie here, but we’re super confident in the two goalies we have. It’s great that Bus was able to do what he was able to do last year. He got the final three games of the Stanley Cup Final and got the job done. That’s a huge confidence boost for him and our team. With PK, I do feel he has the ability to be an elite goalie in this league. I see the talent. But with that being said, it is his third or fourth full year here, and now it’s time to take the bull by the horns.”

So far through two starts, Kochetkov is 2-0-0 with a 1.95 GAA and a .940 SV%. His latest win was on Thursday night against the Vancouver Canucks, stopping 18 of 20 shots in a 7-2 win for the Hurricanes. He made key saves all night, even when he saw three shots in the first period. In his first start of 2026-27, he made 16 saves on 18 shots, leaving with an .889 SV%. Regarding the Hurricanes, fans have to rely on context to see why goalies in Raleigh win despite having sub-.900 SV% when facing a low number of shots on a nightly basis.

Even when he missed making a save on an aggressive poke check, Kochetkov has been more patient and reading opponents better than in seasons past. The Hurricanes want him to use the aggressive poke check, but use it at the right time. So far this season, he’s been playing stellar hockey in the crease.

After signing a two-year extension, which will pay him $3.95 million annually, this is a great start for both sides. With 79 games left in the regular season, having Kochetkov reach another level in his game, while getting back into the flow post-hip recovery, will go a long way.

The Hurricanes will most likely lean on him and Bussi to man the crease as they look to defend their Stanley Cup title. As of now, the team is on a three-game winning streak since the 3-2 shootout win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday, Oct. 3. General manager Eric Tulsky said the team is “comfortable” with them as the tandem. So far, it’s been decent but has gotten better over the last few games.

The team will have a back-to-back against the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday and the Flyers again on Sunday, just eight days after their first meeting of the season. Since Kochetkov started on Thursday, his next game could be in Philadelphia, where he’s already won this season. Could he pick up his third consecutive win on Sunday?