Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov is expected to return to the lineup Tuesday versus the Seattle Kraken, Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour told team reporter Walt Ruff.

It was Kochetkov’s attempt at a pokecheck in the Nov. 23 game in Columbus that landed him in the concussion protocol. Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski was driving to the net and the Canes’ Sean Walker putting the body on Werenski when Walker collided with Kochetkov.

Kane placed on injured reserve by Red Wings; Ehlers likely sidelined 7-10 days for Jets; Pageau expected back for Islanders

The Canes’ No. 1 goalie was injured against Columbus after a collision with defenseman Sean Walker during overtime.

Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov (52) is helped off the ice by head athletic trainer Doug Bennett, left, and linesman David Brisebois (96) after an injury in overtime of an NHL hockey game against the Columbus Blue Jackets in Columbus, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

The Carolina Hurricanes are breathing a big sigh of relief as it looks like goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov is nearing a return to action. Kochetkov, 25, took the ice for practice Monday morning after missing the last four games due to a concussion and he looked much like himself as a full participant.

The Carolina Hurricanes have been forced to deal with injuries to both of their top goaltenders this season. Frederik Andersen will miss roughly six to eight more weeks after undergoing knee surgery and Pyotr Kochetkov sustained a concussion during a recent start.