Pyotr Kochetkov Signs Two-Year, $7.9 Million Contract with Carolina Hurricanes

Pyotr Kochetkov has signed a two-year contract with the Carolina Hurricanes worth a total of $7.9 million, carrying an average annual value of $3.95 million. The deal takes effect next season and keeps the 27-year-old goaltender with the club even after the final year of his previous four-year contract expires, removing the possibility of him becoming an unrestricted free agent after the season.

As NHL.com reports, Kochetkov appeared in just nine games (eight as a starter) last season, posting a 6-2-0 record with a 2.33 goals-against average, a .899 save percentage and one shutout; he last played on December 20 before undergoing hip surgery. After recovering, he sat on the bench as the Hurricanes’ backup goaltender during the Stanley Cup Final following Frederik Andersen’s injury, but did not appear in any game.

General manager Eric Tulsky praised Kochetkov’s abilities as an exceptionally talented goaltender with an aggressive style that suits the team, expressing confidence he will contribute to wins and to the club’s pursuit of its goals. Selected by Carolina in the second round, 36th overall, of the 2019 NHL Draft, Kochetkov owns a career record of 71-38-12 in 125 games (120 starts), with a 2.46 goals-against average, a .905 save percentage and 11 shutouts; in the playoffs he is 2-5 with a 3.83 average and a .860 percentage in 10 games.

According to NHL.com, the two-year contract strengthens the Hurricanes’ goaltending group and settles Kochetkov’s status for the next two seasons.