Hurricanes Bolster Playoff Roster with Kochetkov's Return

Carolina's deep goaltending corps provides strategic advantage as playoffs begin

Apr. 16, 2026 at 3:36am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey goaltender making a save, with sharp, overlapping planes of vibrant blue, red, and yellow colors.The Hurricanes' deep goaltending corps, with the return of Pyotr Kochetkov, gives them a strategic edge as they begin their Stanley Cup playoff push.Today in Raleigh

The Carolina Hurricanes will have three healthy goaltenders available for their first-round playoff series against the Ottawa Senators, as Pyotr Kochetkov has recovered from a lower-body injury that kept him out since mid-December. Kochetkov, who is 6-2-0 with a 2.33 goals-against average this season, recently played in a pair of AHL games and has been cleared to rejoin the Hurricanes' roster.

Why it matters

The Hurricanes' goaltending has been a potential weakness, with rookie Brandon Bussi and veteran Frederik Andersen both posting modest numbers this season. Kochetkov's return gives head coach Rod Brind'Amour more options and flexibility in net as Carolina looks to make a deep playoff run after falling one round short last year.

The details

Kochetkov, 26, underwent surgery at the end of December and was not expected to play again this season. However, he suited up for two games with the AHL's Chicago Wolves over the past week, playing one period in one game and two periods in the other. His recovery has been faster than anticipated, and he will now be available to the Hurricanes as they open the playoffs against the Senators.

  • Kochetkov has been out of action since mid-December due to a lower-body injury.
  • He underwent surgery at the end of December and was not expected to return this season.
  • Kochetkov played in two AHL games on April 14 and April 16, marking his first game action since the injury.

The players

Pyotr Kochetkov

A 26-year-old goaltender for the Carolina Hurricanes who has a 6-2-0 record with a 2.33 goals-against average this season.

Rod Brind'Amour

The head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes, who will have three healthy goaltenders to choose from for the team's first-round playoff series.

Brandon Bussi

The Hurricanes' rookie goaltender, who has a 31-6-2 record with a 2.47 goals-against average and .895 save percentage this season.

Frederik Andersen

The veteran goaltender for the Hurricanes, who has a 16-14-5 record with a 3.05 goals-against average and .874 save percentage this season.

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What they’re saying

“Pyotr Kochetkov, who hasn't been between the pipes since the middle of December due to a lower-body injury, will be available for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, head coach Rod Brind'Amour confirmed to NHL.com.”

— Rod Brind'Amour, Head Coach, Carolina Hurricanes

What’s next

The Hurricanes will decide on their starting goaltender for Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Ottawa Senators, with Kochetkov, Bussi, and Andersen all available.

The takeaway

The Hurricanes' deep goaltending corps, featuring the return of Pyotr Kochetkov, provides a strategic advantage as they begin their Stanley Cup playoff run and look to make a deeper postseason push than last year.