Goalie Targets For Hurricanes With Kochetkov Done For Season

The Carolina Hurricanes suffered another big blow as goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov suffered what seems to be a season-ending injury. The Hurricanes still have Brandon Bussi, who has been somewhat of a saviour for them this season out of nowhere, and Frederik Andersen, who can't really be trusted to play at a high enough level anymore, especially for a Stanley Cup contender.

Kochetkov was 6-2-0 on the season with a 2.33 GAA and .899 SV%. The Hurricanes don't allow a ton of shots, so the SV% is always a bit lower, but he played well and was essentially splitting time with Bussi with the struggles of Andersen. Bussi is 13-1-1 with a 2.08 GAA and .911 SV%, while Andersen is 5-8-2 with a 3.27 GAA and .869 SV%. Another goalie option is needed, and Cayden Primeau is not that goalie. He's doing solid in the AHL, but had horrible numbers in three games in the NHL for the Toronto Maple Leafs this season.

Carolina doesn't need to go out and get a goalie of the future, just someone who is a better option than Andersen, which isn't hard to find. Here are some easy to find options that could be a step up and decent third goalie option.

Stuart Skinner

The Pittsburgh Penguins brought on Stuart Skinner as part of the return for Tristan Jarry, but immediately, there was talk that he could be flipped by the deadline. With the Penguins falling down the standings and not winning, it's starting to make more sense. The team is bad defensively, but Skinner and Arturs Silovs also haven't played well behind them. Their numbers aren't great since the trade, but the Hurricanes are much better and Skinner would only have to start a handful of games and be an option. The Hurricanes have plenty of cap space and it might be helpful for him to be in an even lesser role fighting for his playing time. Skinner is also a UFA, so there's no worry about what to do with him next season.

Cam Talbot

The Detroit Red Wings are ready to call up Sebastian Cossa, and John Gibson has taken the starter role on the team. This is going to leave Cam Talbot as the odd man out soon enough. The Red Wings are doing well and wouldn't be any worse off swapping Cossa, their future, in for a veteran backup. Talbot is also in the last year of his deal with a 2.94 GAA and .889 SV%. It's better than Andersen and he's healthier more often.

Calvin Pickard

Calvin Pickard is the worst option here, but when fighting for his career, he has stepped up and played some good hockey for the Edmonton Oilers, most notably in their previous win, which he stole from the Winnipeg Jets, stopping 41 shots. With Tristan Jarry expected to return in the nearer future, Pickard seems to be the odd man out, even after the recent strong start. Connor Ingram has gotten more looks since Jarry got injured and it makes sense for the Oilers to go with a completely new duo this season. Pickard would work in a three-man rotation.