Kochetkov signs two-year extension with Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes have announced the signing of goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov to a two-year contract extension, keeping him in Raleigh through the 2028-29 season. According to The Hockey News, the deal carries an average annual value of $3.95 million.

Kochetkov's extension comes as he enters the final year of his previous four-year, $8 million contract. General Manager Eric Tulsky expressed confidence in Kochetkov, stating, "Pyotr is an incredibly talented goalie whose aggressive style fits our team very well." Kochetkov, who has had a checkered injury history, dressed for only nine games last season, posting a 6-2 record with a 2.33 goals-against average and an .899 save percentage, as reported by ESPN.

He is set to form a goaltending tandem with Brandon Bussi, who himself had a successful season, winning 31 regular-season games and clinching a Stanley Cup title with a shutout in Game 6 against Vegas.

Kochetkov's contract will feature a $2.4 million salary with a $1.5 million signing bonus in the 2027-28 season, followed by a $3 million salary with a $1 million signing bonus in the 2028-29 season, as detailed by The Hockey Writers.

The extension signifies the Hurricanes' commitment to their goaltending future, especially following Frederik Andersen's departure to the Edmonton Oilers in free agency. Kochetkov, who was a second-round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, has a career record of 71-38-12 with a 2.46 goals-against average and a .905 save percentage over 125 NHL games, according to Cardiac Cane.

As the Hurricanes prepare for the upcoming season, the pressure will be on Kochetkov to prove he can remain healthy and deliver strong performances in net.