Carolina Hurricanes goalie Pyotr Kochetkov season-ending surgery: Impact on the Metro leaders

The Hurricanes announced that goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov will undergo season-ending surgery to address a nagging lower-body injury, confirmed by head coach Rod Brind’Amour. The 26-year-old Russian netminder had been dealing with the issue since the preseason and has appeared in nine games this season, impacting Carolina’s position atop the Metropolitan Division.

Key developments include Kochetkov being placed on injured reserve and Brandon Bussi stepping into the crease, with Frederik Andersen serving as backup. Brind’Amour noted that Kochetkov fought through discomfort but chose surgery to protect his long-term health and allow the team to move forward.

The injury timeline shows a delayed start to the season, a 6-2-0 record with a 2.33 GAA and .899 save percentage during a portion of the season, and a shutdown after a 6-4 loss to Tampa Bay where he allowed five goals on 28 shots. The move ends what was expected to be a breakout season and shifts Carolina to a traditional two-goalie rotation.

Brandon Bussi, a 27-year-old waiver claim, has impressed by winning 10 of his first 11 starts and carrying a 12-1-1 record with a .912 save percentage in 14 starts, positioning him as the likely number-one goalie. Frederik Andersen, previously third-string, has stepped into the role of primary backup. The Hurricanes sit atop the Metro with a 23-11-3 record and face opportunities and challenges as they adapt to this new tandem.

The organization projects a continued push for a deep playoff run, though the absence of Kochetkov tests depth. The coaching staff and management emphasized the need to adapt and move forward, with focus on stability in goal as they navigate the remainder of the season.