Pyotr Kochetkov came to North America back in 2022 after four seasons in the KHL. He made a strong impression on the NHL and with the way he keeps performing, not a lot of people are doubting the fact that he could spend the rest of his career in the NHL.
In his NHL career, he took part in 90 games, in which he tallied a 2.38 GAA and a .908 save percentage. He also has three seasons left on the four-year extension he signed last year.
When he signed his contract, former Canes general manager Don Waddell made the following comment on the goalie:
However, we never know what can happen. As we saw in the past, some players eventually join the KHL if they feel like their NHL journey is stagnating or if it's the only option to pursue their hockey career.
A surprising turn of events occurred in the KHL earlier today. Indeed, Kochetkov's rights have been traded.
Before being drafted into the NHL and coming over to North America, he played many years in the KHL and when he left Russia, HK Vitiaz had his rights.
This means that if he ever were to return to the KHL, this is where he'd play.
But now, it changed, as Avangard Omsk acquired his rights in return for Matvei Zaseda, a 25-year-old forward.
Per Hockey News Hub:
As of now, we can't imagine Kochetkov returning to Russia, considering the success he has had in the NHL with the Hurricanes.
POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 26 | 84 ANSWERS Hurricanes Goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov's KHL Rights Surprisingly Get Traded Do you think the Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov will return to the KHL at some point in his career? | ||
Yes | 65 | 77.4 % |
No | 19 | 22.6 % |
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