Overview
- Carolina assigned Pyotr Kochetkov to the AHL’s Chicago Wolves on Friday, and he began the stint against Grand Rapids that night.
- Under NHL rules, a conditioning loan can last up to six days or three games unless the team secures an approved extension.
- Kochetkov had lower-body surgery in late December that was widely viewed as season-ending, though he went 6-2-0 with a 2.33 GAA and a .899 save percentage before the operation.
- With Kochetkov out, rookie Brandon Bussi seized the crease with a 30-6-1 record but a .890 save rate, while Frederik Andersen has struggled with a 3.11 GAA and a .871 save rate.
- The Hurricanes have clinched their division and sit two points clear for the East lead with three games left, so this stint will help gauge whether Kochetkov can backstop the playoff depth chart.