The Carolina Hurricanes could have a problem on their hands. One of the deepest and most talented clubs in the NHL faces a potentially concerning situation in the crease.
As it stands, the Canes' goaltending tandem consists of veteran Frederik Andersen and backup Pytor Kochetkov. Both are solid NHL goaltenders, but neither can be counted on as the team’s starter.
There’s a reason for that.
Andersen has been great when he’s in the crease. And that’s the problem. He isn’t always in the crease. He’s run into injury issues over the years, limiting his ability to play games. Last season, Andersen was limited to 22 games. In that span, he posted a 2.50 GAA and an .899 SV%. Certainly, those were not his career bests.
The season before that, Andersen was limited to 16 games, though his numbers were brilliant. In 2022-23, he played 34 games and had solid numbers. Andersen re-signed on a one-year deal and could be staring at the end of the line in Carolina.
Meanwhile, the 26-year-old Kocketkov has failed to take over the starting role. Last season, he played 47 games, posting a 2.60 GAA and an .898 SV%. The numbers weren’t atrocious, but not nearly good enough to convince anyone he’s the team’s number-one guy.
In 2023-24, Kochetkov appeared in 42 games, racking up a 2.33 GAA and a .911 SV%. The numbers were an improvement over his 2022-23 totals, but still not good enough to cement himself as the undisputed starter.
So, with those numbers in mind, the question begs: Should the Carolina Hurricanes be concerned about their goaltending situation?
The short answer is yes. The long answer is that the Canes should be scrambling for a solution.
Hurricanes’ lack of goaltending certainty not their fault
The Hurricanes had a heck of an offseason. The club extended up-and-coming stars in Logan Stankoven and Jackson Blake. They brought in Nikolaj Ehlers to bolster their top-six scoring group.
The Canes also added K’Andre Miller on defense, with Mike Reilly offering decent veteran depth. The various PTO candidates could also prove to be diamonds in the rough for the Canes heading into Opening Night.
But the club didn’t seemingly do much to address the goaltending situation. But that wasn’t really the team’s fault. It was more the result of a weak goaltending market. The only decent goalie changing teams was John Gibson. Gibson left Anaheim for Detroit via an NHL Draft Day trade.
Beyond that, the goaltending options for the Canes don’t seem very encouraging. Yes, there could be other options available once the season starts. Teams that fall out of playoff contention early could move a goalie or two. Some teams have additional goalie depth who might move a netminder to fill other voids.
But unless Kocketkov can finally run with the goaltending situation, the club will need to address the situation. Cayden Primeau stands as the third-string goalie, with three others not even close to being NHL-ready.
So, fans should keep an eye on Eric Tulsky as the calendar turns to November. Teams that bomb by Thanksgiving could be compelled to move a goalie. Teams like the Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins, or Buffalo Sabres could be willing to make a deal if they feel they’re not going to make it.
The Canes will need as much depth as possible if they are to make a serious run at the Stanley Cup this season.