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Hurricanes Off-Season: Varlamov an Option in Goal

By Glenn Brewer

May 18, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen (31) reaches out to make a save against the Florida Panthers in the overtime in game one of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
May 18, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen (31) reaches out to make a save against the Florida Panthers in the overtime in game one of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /
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The NHL off-season is going to come at us very fast starting this week with the NHL Draft, followed by the opening of free agency. The Canes have some work to do in goal for the upcoming season.

In the past few seasons, the Canes have won hockey games through an organized system that plays aggressively in the offensive zone but always details the defensive responsibilities.

Goaltending has been a strong point for the successful Canes seasons of late.

Frederik Andersen and Antti Raanta have been the backbone of the team that has had very impressive regular season production.

Despite not reaching their goal of winning a Stanley Cup, both goaltenders have played strong enough to win in the postseason. The major concern for the two players has been their health.

Raanta played 27 games this season, posting a solid 2.23 GAA and a .910 save percentage. Andersen played in just 34 games this season but was stellar in 9 playoff games with a 1.83 GAA and .927 save percentage.

Pyotr Kochetkov shined in his chances this season and showed what the future in goal for the Canes will look like for many years to come. Despite the success this season, Kochetkov still showed he is not ready for the heavy load alone.

With Andersen and Raanta being unrestricted free agents this July, the Canes will have a tough decision to make. Andersen was making $4.5 million last season and Raanta was making $2 million.

The possibility of bringing all three goaltenders back to shuffle around is small and it should be because Kochetkov needs more time. In that case their is only room for one goaltender to sign.

If money and/or injuries are the concern for both Raanta and Andersen. Don Waddell can look into a free agent like Semyon Varlamov.

Since being selected in the first round of the 2006 NHL draft, Varlamov has been a solid NHL goaltender with the Washington Capitals, Colorado Avalanche and the New York Islanders.

Varlamov led the Islanders to two straight Eastern Conference Finals while also mentoring fellow Russian goaltender, Ilya Sorokin. With Varlamov’s help, Sorokin has emerged as a top goalie in the NHL.

Kochetkov could use the guidance of the 35 year old Varlamov while Varlamov could still produce at Raanta’s level or better.

Varlamov played in 23 games this season and posted a 2.70 GAA and .913 save percentage.

More importantly, Varlamov played his best hockey in the playoffs. In 2019-20 with the Islanders, the Russian veteran had a 2.14 GAA and .921 save percentage in 20 games. He followed that up in 2020-21 with a 2.56 GAA and .922 save percentage.

The moment was never too big for Varlamov and he thrived on the pressure.

Coming off a large contract, combined with his age, Varlamov will not be looking to break the bank on a contract.

The opportunity to play on a winning team with another Russian goaltender could draw Varlamov to Raleigh on a discount.

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