The news hit Raleigh like a ton of bricks. Head Coach Rod Brind-Amour confirmed the worst: Pyotr Kochetkov is undergoing lower-body surgery and is effectively done for the season. For a team with eyes locked on the Stanley Cup, losing a netminder who posted a 2.33 GAA and a 6-2-0 record in limited action is a massive blow.
But where there is crisis, there is opportunity. And in this case, the opportunity might be wearing number 29.
With the NHL trade deadline approaching and the pressure mounting, the Carolina Hurricanes are suddenly the most logical landing spot for future Hall of Famer Marc-Andre Fleury. Here is why the “Flower” might bloom in Carolina, and why GM Eric Tulsky needs to make the call.
Why the Hurricanes Need “Flower” Power Now
Let’s look at the reality of the crease. The Hurricanes are now moving ahead with a tandem of Frederik Andersen and Brandon Bussi. Andersen is elite when healthy, but his injury history is the stuff of nightmares for fantasy owners and coaches alike. You cannot bet a franchise’s championship window entirely on his durability.
Then there is Brandon Bussi. The kid has been one of the stories of the year, boasting a ridiculous 13-1-1 record. But he has played exactly 15 games in the NHL. Do you really want to head into a Game 7 against the Panthers or Devils relying on a goaltender with less than 20 games of big-league experience?
Pierre LeBrun recently confirmed that teams are “kicking the tires” on the 41-year-old Fleury. While Ottawa and Edmonton are sniffing around, Fleury holds the cards. He isn’t coming back for money; he’s coming back for a fourth ring. Carolina offers the clearest path to that goal.
From my perspective, this isn’t just about stats. Fleury’s numbers last year with Minnesota (14-9-1, .899 SV%) were respectable for a struggling team, but his value to Carolina would be intangible. The Hurricanes have a ton of pressure on the team this season. They need a personality that absorbs stress. Fleury is the ultimate “vibes” guy. When he smiles, the room relaxes. He brings a calmness and joy that permeates the locker room—exactly what a team needs when the playoff vice tightens.
Is he the Vezina winner of old? No. But is he the best insurance policy in hockey history? Absolutely. If Andersen goes down or Bussi falters, Fleury can steal a game. If the Hurricanes are serious about a parade, this is the move that solidifies the roster.
Latest Hurricanes News & Fantasy Hockey
Want to stay ahead of the curve on the latest Carolina Hurricanes news and roster updates? Make sure to bookmark nhltraderumor.com today. While you are there, join our Fantasy Hockey Pool for a chance to win cash prizes and prove your hockey IQ. You can also find out exactly how to watch the Hurricanes game on TV today on our website schedules.
Don’t miss a beat—add nhltraderumor.com to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletter below.
The post Is Marc-Andre Fleury the Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup Answer? appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
