Carolina Hurricanes Have A Crowded Crease Again
By Glenn Brewer
As the Carolina Hurricanes prepare for training camp next month and fans continue to await a new contract with Seth Jarvis anxiously, the roster is for lack of a better word finalized. One position that was untouched this summer was goaltending. Eric Tulsky has three NHL-caliber goaltenders and it will be interesting to see how each can contribute to the NHL squad.
It would be unorthodox to have this team carry three goalies, even with one being an injury-prone veteran. Rod Brind'Amour would surely like to have that roster spot to create some competition at the forward position or the very least provide more depth to the blue line.
Frederik Andersen has one year remaining on his contract with a salary cap hit of $3.4 million. The often-hurt, 34-year-old goaltender has been Carolina's top option in the crease for the last three years. Although he has had some stellar moments, the Canes have not come close to winning the Stanley Cup.
Last season, Andersen came back from injury and lit up the league with a 13-2 record and 1.84 GAA. The playoffs were a different story as Andersen ultimately could not get the job done against the New York Rangers and were defeated in 6 games. Some questionable goals were allowed, taking the wings out of the Canes' sails.
The Canes roster has transitioned slightly this summer and it is a great chance to give the reigns to Pyotr Kochetkov definitively. Kochetkov has had two straight seasons in the NHL with at least 24 games played. He has played solid with a 2.43 GAA and a .910 save percentage. At age 25 it is time for the former second-round pick to take the team to the playoffs and see where that takes the team.
The young Russian keeper has proven that he can carry this team and provide steadiness to the group. It is a good transition for him to get the chance to lead this team for a full season. With Andersen carrying a higher salary, it could be possible to trade him if another team suffers an injury to start the season in between the pipes.
The team has a solid option to backup or step in for Kochetkov in troubled periods with Spencer Martin signing an extension last season. The 29-year-old has been in the league for 4 years and had ups and downs but found his game in Raleigh.