Carolina Hurricanes Sign Goalkeeper Pyotr Kochetkov for Four Years
By Glenn Brewer
The Carolina Hurricanes have one more game before the break for Thanksgiving, but business is never done for General Manager, Don Waddell.
The Hurricanes and Pyotr Kochetkov have come to an agreement on a new contract for an extension of four years, with an average annual value of $2 million.
It is a fair value for the player and the club. Kochetkov was a second-round pick that has shown flashes of brilliance, but more work will help the true worth of this contract.
The 23-year-old goalkeeper has had success in his minimal time in the NHL. Recently, Kochetkov has had a chance to get a strong look in Carolina’s net.
With 5 NHL wins, Kochetkov has played in 4 games this season and more specifically 4 games since being called up in early November. 2 of his victories came this season against Edmonton and Chicago.
A stellar 27-save performance in Chicago earned him his first NHL shutout. Impressively, Kochetkov has posted a 2.00 GAA and a .914 save percentage.
More importantly, the coaching staff has felt calm from the young goalie, and it has translated into confidence for the rest of the team. The team is playing hard for him and knows he can keep them in the game.
Another important note is that Antti Raanta and Frederik Andersen are not signed beyond this season with both veterans set to hit the free-agent market.
The remaining time this season for Kochetkov will have a big impact on the plans for the trade deadline and summer.