For the first time in nearly a year, Pyotr Kochetkov has a chance to play on NHL ice once again. While Sunday’s game against the Florida Panthers marks the Hurricanes’ preseason opener rather than a high-stakes NHL contest, it’s a significant milestone for the Russian goaltender who has been out of action for a long period.
Kochetkov, 27, underwent hip surgery in December 2025 to fix a persistent injury, and by the time he was cleared to return, the playoffs had already started, leaving no opportunity for him to get back into game shape. Although he dressed for parts of the Stanley Cup Final following Frederik Andersen’s injury, he hasn’t played a real NHL game since his surgery. The lack of activity has taken a mental toll on him, especially since he’s faced injuries before, but a midseason surgery was a new challenge. Reflecting on this tough period, Kochetkov expressed his motivation to show what he’s capable of this season, emphasizing a focus on step-by-step progress rather than distant goals.
His time away has also shifted his perspective on his career. Rather than setting concrete goals like playing a certain number of games, he’s now more focused on enjoying each practice, recovery, and game, appreciating the process rather than distant objectives. This positive outlook coincides with a new role he faces—it’s the first time in his career that he doesn’t have an established veteran in front of him, with Brandon Bussi, who is only a year older but has less NHL experience, now serving as his tandem partner. Despite these changes, Kochetkov remains unfazed, viewing his role as simply playing when called upon, irrespective of who is ahead of him.
This upcoming season presents a major opportunity for Kochetkov to reaffirm himself as a long-term NHL option. He’s demonstrated a promising ceiling with 11 career shutouts—nearly 10% of his games—and has handled significant responsibilities over multiple seasons. However, inconsistency has also marked his career, with streaks of multiple poor games and confidence fluctuations. Improving his consistency and becoming a dependable presence night after night will be crucial, especially as he enters the final year of his contract.
Kochetkov regards this as an exciting season, eager for more playing time as he approaches the end of his current deal. His journey this year could be pivotal in determining his future with the Hurricanes and his continued development at the NHL level.
Fan Take: Kochetkov’s return symbolizes hope for the Hurricanes and fans, proving that perseverance through injuries can lead to a fresh start. It also reminds hockey enthusiasts of the importance of resilience and mental toughness in overcoming setbacks, which are often as crucial as skill on the ice.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
