Hurricanes G Pyotr Kochetkov injured, out for season opener vs. Devils

Field Level Media|published: Thu 9th October, 15:07 2025

NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Florida Panthers at Carolina Hurricanes

May 28, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov (52) warms up prior to the game against the Florida Panthers in game five of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

Carolina reserve goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov will miss the Hurricanes' season opener against the New Jersey Devils on Thursday night in Raleigh, N.C., because of an undisclosed injury.

Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour said Kochetkov was "nicked up" and missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday. Rookie Brandon Bussi will back up starter Frederik Andersen. Bussi was claimed off waivers from the Florida Panthers on Sunday and joined the Hurricanes on Wednesday.

There is no timetable for Kochetkov's return and he will be evaluated again on Friday, Brind'Amour said. The goalie played the entire game in Carolina's 3-2 overtime loss on Saturday at the Nashville Predators to conclude the preseason. He allowed three goals on 29 shots for a .897 save percentage.

Kochetkov, 26, was 27-16-3 with a 2.60 goals-against average and .898 save percentage in 47 games (all starts) last season.

He has started 112 of the 116 regular-season games he has played since his debut with Carolina in the 2021-22 season and is 65-36-12 with a 2.47 GAA and .905 save percentage.

Kochetkov also is 2-5 in 10 postseason games (four starts) with a 3.83 GAA and .860 save percentage, including 1-1 with a 3.60 GAA and .855 save percentage last season.

--Field Level Media