Patience is a key element in successful goaltending and goalie Pyotr Kochetkov is exhibiting patience when it comes to his contract.
Much like Boston's Jeremy Swayman, Kochetkov is about to get paid. And while his Russian countryman Igor Shersterkin figures to be cashing in on the biggest contract ever offered to an NHL goalie when his pact with the New York Rangers is up next year, the clock isn't exactly ticking when it comes to Kochetkov's big payday.
His current contract with the Hurricanes doesn't expire until 2027. But when it does, he's plannng to require a wheelbarrow to haul away the cache of cash he's expecting to receive.
"We met, talked, and he understands what and how to do there," Kochetkov's agent Alexander Chernykh told Russian website RB Sport. "He is a professional and a smart guy. The most important thing is that there are no injuries.
"I am sure that he will show results. And over time, when this not very good contract ends, he will apply for other conditions."
In 42 games for the Hurricanes last season, Kochetkov would post a .911 save percentage and a goals-against average of 2.33.
"I never had any doubts about this guy," Chernykh said. "We started working with him before he even came of age. Together we experienced his transfers from Kazan to Penza, from Penza back to Kazan. There were teams like Sochi, Vityaz, SKA, Torpedo.
"So I never doubted for a second that Petya would succeed. Now I am sure that he will become even better this year."