Brandon Bussi’s Breakout Season Earns Him Three-Year Extension with Hurricanes
Brandon Bussi’s journey from waiver-wire pickup to starting goaltender in Carolina isn’t just a feel-good story - it’s one of the most compelling developments of the NHL season. And now, the Hurricanes are making sure he’s not going anywhere anytime soon.
On Monday, the team announced a three-year contract extension with Bussi worth $1.9 million annually. It’s a well-earned reward for a player who’s gone from depth option to franchise cornerstone in less than four months.
Let’s rewind for a moment. Bussi came into the league undrafted, carved out his path at Western Michigan, and eventually signed with the Boston Bruins.
He was named to the AHL All-Rookie Team in 2023 and spent significant time with the Providence Bruins, appearing in over 100 games. But despite being called up to the NHL squad on occasion, he never saw game action in Boston.
With Linus Ullmark, Jeremy Swayman, and Joonas Korpisalo ahead of him on the depth chart, the path to NHL ice time was crowded.
That changed this past offseason. Bussi signed with the Florida Panthers, went through training camp, and was on his way to join their AHL affiliate in Charlotte when the Hurricanes claimed him off waivers.
A twist of fate? Maybe.
But what’s happened since has been nothing short of remarkable.
Bussi didn’t just slot in - he took over. He’s become the fastest goalie in league history to hit several early-career win milestones, tied the Hurricanes’ franchise record for longest winning streak at nine games, and holds the second-longest point streak at 12.
And he’s not just racking up wins - he’s doing it with elite-level play, ranking among the league’s best in save percentage on high-danger chances. That’s the kind of stat that tells you this isn’t just a hot streak - it’s a goaltender in full command of his crease.
With this extension, the Hurricanes are signaling their future in net. Bussi and Pyotr Kochetkov are now set to be the tandem going forward - a younger, more agile duo that gives the Canes flexibility and upside.
It also likely spells the end of Frederik Andersen’s time in Carolina, with his contract expiring after this season. Andersen has been a steady presence when healthy, but Bussi’s emergence shifts the equation.
Beyond the ice, the team also announced a $10,000 donation from the Carolina Hurricanes Foundation to the Autism Society of North Carolina - a cause close to Bussi’s heart. His younger brother is on the autism spectrum, and Bussi has incorporated that message into the design of his goalie mask. It’s a powerful reminder that players are more than stats and saves - they’re people with stories that resonate far beyond the rink.
At 27, Bussi’s NHL debut came later than many, but he’s making every moment count. His rise has energized the fanbase and added a new layer of confidence to a Hurricanes team with postseason aspirations. And now, with a new deal in hand and a crease to call his own, Brandon Bussi’s story is just getting started.
If this season has shown us anything, it’s that sometimes the best moves are the ones nobody saw coming - and the Hurricanes may have just found their goalie of the future.