Carolina Hurricanes sign Pyotr Kochetkov to four-year extension

That’s a big piece of the team’s future.

The Carolina Hurricanes have signed goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov to a four-year contract extension worth $2 million per season.

Kochetkov has a 2-0-2 record with a .914 save percentage this season. He hasn’t lost in regulation during his NHL regular season career, posting a 5-0-2 record over the past two seasons.

It’s a small sample size, but Kochetkov’s play in Carolina, and in the AHL with Chicago, has made it clear there’s something there. Kochetkov helped the Wolves win the Calder Cup last year after going 13-1-2 during the regular season and 5-1-0 in the playoffs, recording two shutouts.

Antti Raanta and Frederik Andersen are both pending UFAs this summer, so this four-year pact sends a message to those two to pick it up. Injuries have plagued both during their careers, but Andersen has shown he can be a top-10 goaltender when healthy. With him on the sidelines right now, Kochetkov has been able to seize the opportunity and show he’s ready for more consistent starting opportunities.

Kochetkov is the most notable goalie prospect signed right now by the Hurricanes, with 24-year-old Zachary Sawchenko being the only other goaltender signed to a contract. Sawchenko played in seven games for the San Jose Sharks last year, but will likely remain an AHLer going forward.

When Andersen returns, it’ll be interesting to see how they manage their goaltender the rest of the way. Kochetkov has looked fantastic in a short spurt and the team might look to keep him around. Carolina currently sits tied for second in the Metropolitan Division with the New York Islanders and New York Rangers, but they’re in the midst of a three-game losing streak – including twice in overtime.

Regardless of what happens next, Kochetkov’s deal is team-friendly, and the 23-year-old has a ton of promise. What a nice mid-week deal by GM Don Waddell.