As the 2024-25 season approaches, the Carolina Hurricanes face several key questions, particularly regarding their forward lineup and Seth Jarvis’s contract negotiations.
However, one area that may be overlooked is the goaltending situation. While Frederik Andersen and Pyotr Kochetkov are expected to be the main goalies, the question remains: who will be the primary starter, or the “1A” in this duo?
Kochetkov’s Case as the Primary Starter
The Hurricanes need to carefully consider their goaltending future. Andersen, who joined the team as a free agent before the 2021-22 season, has struggled with injuries and health issues, including a blood clot, throughout his time in Carolina.
Despite these challenges, Andersen has performed well when available. However, it might be time for the Hurricanes to give the starting role to 25-year-old Russian goalie Pyotr Kochetkov.
In the 2023-24 season, Kochetkov posted a solid 23-13-4 record, with a .911 save percentage and a 2.33 goals-against average in 42 games, including 40 starts. With Andersen sidelined and Antti Raanta struggling, Kochetkov became the team’s primary goaltender, showing he could handle the majority of starts while paired with a reliable backup.
Kochetkov is entering the second year of a four-year contract signed in November 2022, with a $2 million annual average value (AAV). This contract is a bargain for a young goalie with his potential.
On the other hand, Andersen’s $3.4 million AAV contract expires at the end of the season, potentially freeing up cap space for the Hurricanes to find a new backup for Kochetkov. While it’s still unclear who the Hurricanes will choose as Kochetkov’s backup next season, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Kochetkov is the future of the team’s goaltending.
Kochetkov’s performance last season further solidified his case as the Hurricanes’ future starter. He was named the NHL’s Rookie of the Month in February and finished the season tied for the most wins among rookie goalies, with 23 victories and four shutouts. He also posted an Eastern Conference-best .911 save percentage among rookie netminders.
Head coach Rod Brind’Amour acknowledged Kochetkov’s potential, saying, “We’ve known that the talent is there. We noticed day one that he was something special, but he’s a young kid. It takes time.”
At just 25 years old, Kochetkov has already won 38 games in his first 65 starts, with a career .910 save percentage, a 2.37 goals-against average, and eight shutouts. While Andersen’s strong playoff performance last season might make a case for him as the starter, his age and injury history suggest it might be time to transition to Kochetkov as the team’s 1A goalie.
Brind’Amour’s Dilemma
Ultimately, Brind’Amour and his coaching staff will make the decision they believe is best for the team heading into the 2024-25 season. They know they’ll have both Andersen and Kochetkov available for the season opener on October 11 against the Tampa Bay Lightning, but the uncertainty around their health remains. The team does have depth in the American Hockey League with the Chicago Wolves, providing a safety net if needed.
If Kochetkov can replicate his performance from last season, particularly from December through the playoffs, he could firmly establish himself as the Hurricanes’ goaltender of the future.
This upcoming season will be one to watch closely, particularly in regard to the goaltending situation and the revamped defense, including new additions Sean Walker and Shayne Gostisbehere.
