Hurricanes Sign Kochetkov to $7.9M Extension

The Carolina Hurricanes signed goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov to a two-year, $7.9 million contract extension on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026. The deal carries a $3.95 million annual cap hit through the 2028-29 season. The 27-year-old was due to become an unrestricted free agent after 2025-26. He will earn $2.4 million salary plus a $1.5 million signing bonus in 2027-28 and $3 million salary plus a $1 million signing bonus in 2028-29. Kochetkov missed most of 2025-26 after hip surgery following his Dec. 20 game. NHL.com lists nine appearances (eight starts) with a 6-2-0 record, 2.33 GAA, .899 save percentage and one shutout; other sources report eight appearances. His career mark with Carolina is 71-38-12, 2.46 GAA, .905 save percentage and 11 shutouts in 125 games. He dressed as backup in the Stanley Cup Final without playing; Brandon Bussi started the Game 6 clincher in the Hurricanes' Cup win. General manager Eric Tulsky said Kochetkov is an incredibly talented goalie whose aggressive style fits the team very well and that the club is thrilled he wants to continue helping pursue championships in Carolina.