The Carolina Hurricanes got some devastating injury news on Monday afternoon. The club placed goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov on injured reserve with a lower-body injury. However, this move was no run-of-the-mill transaction for the Hurricanes. The move revealed Kochetkov will be out for the remainder of the season. The Canes reported coach Rod Brind’Amour’s comments as:
“He didn’t feel right all year. He’s been playing great; that’s the hard part. He was kind of fighting through it, but doesn’t want to continue that way, so we’ll get it fixed and go from there.”
Brind’Amour added that the Hurricanes’ netminder is:
“…probably out for the year.”
"It's (the injury) he's been dealing with all year. He's decided to have surgery, so he's probably going to be out for the year."
Rod Brind'Amour announced that the #Canes expect to be without goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov for the remainder of the season.
Read »… pic.twitter.com/QPrUmT941I
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) December 29, 2025
That’s no bueno for the Hurricanes, who have been notoriously unlucky with their goalies in the past. The 26-year-old Russian netminder has appeared in nine games this season. He’s notched a 2.33 goals-against average and an .899 save percentage.
Last season was Kochetkov’s best season. He played in 47 games, racking up a 2.66 goals-against average and an .898 save percentage, spelling starter Frederik Andersen for an extended period down the stretch.
Hurricanes Now Turn to Andersen and Bussi
The Carolina Hurricanes will now officially roll with Andersen and waiver pickup Brandon Bussi. Andersen has been a solid if oft-injured piece for the Hurricanes. When healthy, Andersen has been good for the club since arriving via free agency in 2021.
As for Bussi, he has been a revelation for the Hurricanes this season. The Canes picked him up earlier this season when the Florida Panthers attempted to sneak him through waivers. Carolina had to press him into service amid injury issues.
Nevertheless, Bussi has been good. In 14 games this season, he’s racked up a 2.10 goals-against average and .912 save percentage. He recorded his first career shutout on November 30 against the Calgary Flames.
Carolina Unlikely to Target Another Goalie this Season
The Hurricanes are unlikely to target another goalie this season as Pyotr Kochetkov goes down with injury. The club has third-string option Cayden Primeau in the minors in case of an emergency.
Carolina originally placed Primeau on waivers earlier this year. The Toronto Maple Leafs claimed him, giving the 26-year-old three starts. The Leafs then sent Primeau back down to the AHL. That situation allowed the Hurricanes to reclaim him.
Since then, Primeau has made 11 appearances for the Chicago Wolves, posting a 2.49 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage.
Given Primeau’s presence on the roster, the Hurricanes may not be in the need for another goalie this season.
NHL Predictions: December 29th New York Rangers at Carolina Hurricanes
Main Photo Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images
