New Season, Same Goalie Situation Plaguing the Carolina Hurricanes Early in the Campaign

Friday's practice was a mix of good and bad for the Carolina Hurricanes on the injury front. For starters, Seth Jarvis' shoulder concern might keep him out of games for the next week, but it doesn't appear to be anything major. The same could be said for Pyotr Kochetkov, who likely won't play on Saturday, but avoided anything serious after leaving Wednesday's game early.

Frederik Andersen's fate was a little less fortunate. After initially being ruled out week-to-week following the injury he sustained in Seattle, Rod Brind'Amour revealed that he'll be out longer than expected. Andersen had been incredible to start the season, winning three of his four starts and allowing just six goals on 101 shots.

Injuries have been a persistent issue in Andersen's career, especially lower-body injuries. Each of his four seasons in Carolina have been derailed by extended time missed, though last season's blood-clotting issue was a different animal. He has been limited to 54 games over the last three seasons, including this season, after playing 52 games in 2021-22.

I've long been a Freddie advocate because of what he does when he is healthy. Just look at what he did once he returned last season. He was nearly unbeatable at the end of the regular season, going 9-1-0 with a .951 save percentage. The issue has been that it's a huge "when."

With the news of Andersen being out, many online were quick to speculate what the Hurricanes would do next, with some urging for the Canes to make a trade. I'm not there yet but will admit that the leash is short. I've never been a fan of immediately jumping to a trade, but the pickings are slim after Pyotr Kochetkov and Spencer Martin in terms of experience within the organization.

This was the exact reason Martin was claimed off waivers last season. With Andersen's clotting issues and Antti Raanta struggling mightily, the Canes took a chance on Martin and it paid off. Obviously, Kochetkov is the goalie of the future for the Hurricanes, so he's going to stick around. Martin will need to step up and provide valuable starts. If he underperforms, that's when I think the Canes should pull the trigger.

If the Hurricanes make a move outside of the organization, it won't be a flashy one. It won't be a big name who carries term or a large cap hit. That's why I'm inclined to think the Canes will stay the course and ride with Kochetkov and Martin until Andersen is ready to go. If one of them goes out long-term, panic could start to set in amongst the Caniacs and the front office.