In a sudden turn of events, Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov has been assigned to the Chicago Wolves for a conditioning stint following season-ending hip surgery following the NHL's Christmas break.
With the Grand Rapids returning to play Friday against the Griffins, it puts a new potential element into the Hurricanes' goaltending for the postseason.
Under the current CBA, LTIR conditioning loans to the AHL can last a maximum of three games and/or six days, although an additional two games can be requested if needed.
On Sunday, Kochetkov returned to the ice with the Hurricanes, participating in partial drills and taking shots from his teammates. It wasn't a perfect practice, but it was 'a step in the right direction', as head coach Rod Brind'Amour said.
The Hurricanes netminder expressed his feelings about returning to the ice, saying that he had a difficult time during the recovery process, but he was very happy to be able to be with the team and participate in practices.
After it was announced that he would not participate in the remainder of the season, it was speculated that he would not be seen on the ice until the following September. However, in January, his agent first predicted a quick return, mentioning that he could be available for the playoffs if his recovery went well.
Pyotr Kochetkov could be a game-changer for the Hurricanes in the playoffs
This season, Kochetkov has played only eight games in the NHL. However, six of those games were wins, including one shutout. Meanwhile, Frederik Anderson has played 34 matches and Brandon Bussy has played 37 matches.
If the Hurricanes can reacquire Kochetkov for the postseason, they will have three NHL-level goaltenders, one of whom has been notably rested due to a lack of ice time this season. It will be an advantage for the Hurricanes that no other Stanley Cup contending team is going to the playoffs.
Additionally, playing style versatility is another boon for the Hurricanes.
Kochetkov utilizes a highly athletic, acrobatic style with the ability to switch between a calm, careful approach and a frantic, completely reactionary response with the speed of a back-and-forth. The unpredictable (and even physical) nature of his style catches skaters off guard.
Anderson, meanwhile, plays a quiet position-up style that uses size and technique to take up space from oncoming shooters. He also has a particularly strong glove hand to help when the normally slow positioning method might fail.
As for Bussey, his approach focuses more on the traditional butterfly style with a focus on strong proficiency in fundamentals with occasional athletic play. His play is a happy medium between Kochetkov and Andersen.
If the Hurricanes can reacquire a strong and confident Kochetkov, it could make a huge difference through the playoffs.
