Carolina Hurricanes Sign Pyotr Kochetkov Through 2028-29 Season

Following a comeback victory in Greensboro, the Carolina Hurricanes announced Friday morning they have signed goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov to a two-year contract extension. This deal will keep him in Raleigh until the conclusion of the 2028-29 season.

Kochetkov Extended for Two More Years

The new agreement carries an annual average value (AAV) of $3.95 million, totaling $7.9 million. Kochetkov, currently in the final year of a four-year, $8 million deal, will see his AAV nearly double from $2 million. Last season, he appeared in nine games, posting a 6-2-0 record with a 2.33 goals-against average (GAA) and a .899 save percentage (SV%).

The extension includes a $1.5 million signing bonus in 2027-28 and a $1 million signing bonus in 2028-29, along with base salaries of $2.4 million and $3 million respectively. This is a strategic move by the Hurricanes to secure a key part of their goaltending tandem for under $4 million annually.

Hurricanes General Manager Eric Tulsky commented on the signing: "Pyotr is an incredibly talented goalie whose aggressive style fits our team very well. We believe in his ability to win games for this organization and are thrilled he wants to continue helping us pursue championships in Carolina."

In 125 NHL games with the Hurricanes, Kochetkov holds a 71-38-12 record, a 2.46 GAA, and a .905 SV%. During the 2024-25 season, he went 27-16-3 with a 2.60 GAA and .898 SV% in 47 appearances, playing a crucial role in the team's playoff streak.

Prior to the extension, Hurricanes goaltending coach Paul Schonfelder expressed confidence in Kochetkov, stating, "I do feel he has the ability to be an elite goalie in this league. I see the talent. But with that being said, it is his third or fourth full year here, and now it’s time to take the bull by the horns."

With Kochetkov's extension, the Hurricanes now have both him and goaltender Brandon Bussi signed through the 2028-29 season. Bussi is entering the first year of his three-year deal, worth $1.9 million annually. Their combined AAV for the current season is $3.9 million, rising to $5.85 million for the 2027-28 and 2028-29 seasons.

Last June, GM Tulsky indicated the team was "comfortable" with Bussi and Kochetkov as their goaltending tandem for the 2026-27 season. Bussi had a strong 2025-26 campaign, finishing 31-6-2 with a 2.47 GAA, .895 SV%, and two shutouts, adding a 3-1-0 record with a 1.60 GAA and .931 SV% in the playoffs.

The combined performances of Bussi and Kochetkov suggest they can form a formidable 1A/1B duo. Kochetkov, notably, secured 50 wins in 89 appearances over the two seasons preceding 2025-26.

The Hurricanes appear committed to their goaltending duo for the next three seasons. While the business of the NHL can always bring changes, the organization's decisions indicate a strong belief in Kochetkov and Bussi's development and their potential to lead the team to a Stanley Cup. This upcoming season will be a significant one for both goalies as they step into more prominent roles without Frederik Andersen in the locker room. The crease in Raleigh is set to be manned by Bussi and Kochetkov for the 2026-27 season and beyond.