Hurricanes’ Pyotr Kochetkov in concussion protocal, no timetable for return

Certainly concerning news for one of the best young goaltenders in the game.

When speaking to the media on Monday, Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour revealed that goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov is in concussion protocol. The longtime member of the Canes organization also stated that there is no timetable for Kochetkov’s return.

“You see some guys bounce back really quick,” Brind’Amour said. “Some guys it takes longer.”

Kochetkov suffered an upper-body injury this past Saturday night in a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. While the Blue Jackets’ Zach Werenski was trying to drive the net, Kochetkov reached out for a poke check but was accidentally ran into my teammate Sean Walker.

The Russian goaltender laid motionless on the ice before being helped off by training staff. Spencer Martin was forced into action and was credited with the loss as Carolina ended up losing 5-4 in a shootout.

Kochetkov has been off to a great start this season, while the Canes have had their share of goaltending injury woes. In 13 starts, the 25-year-old has a 10-2-0 record with a 2.42 goals-against average and a .904 save percentage. He was on pace to surpass his career-high in wins (23), which he set last season.

Kochetkov’s absence puts Carolina in a bit of a bind between the pipes. Frederik Andersen, who had knee surgery last week, is projected to be out for the next eight weeks. Spencer Martin and Yaniv Perets are currently the two listed netminders. The Canes do have former NHLer Dustin Tokarski with its American Hockey League affiliate, the Chicago Wolves, but he’s only on an AHL contract.

With both of their top goaltenders on the shelf for the foreseeable future, general manager Eric Tulsky might be forced to bring in a netminder.

The Hurricanes (14-5-1) are second in the Metropolitan Division, one point back of the first-place New Jersey Devils. Carolina is scheduled to host the Dallas Stars on Monday night.