Brandon Bussi’s Unexpected Rise Has the Hurricanes Buzzing in Net
When the Carolina Hurricanes entered the 2025-26 season, the plan in net looked pretty straightforward: Pyotr Kochetkov and Frederik Andersen were expected to form a reliable tandem. Andersen had just been re-signed during the playoffs, and Kochetkov was coming off a promising stretch. On paper, it looked like the Canes were set in the crease.
But hockey seasons rarely go according to script.
Injuries have twice sidelined Kochetkov, Andersen’s been inconsistent through the early stretch, and Cayden Primeau briefly entered - and exited - the picture after a waiver claim saga with the Maple Leafs. Through all that movement, it’s been Brandon Bussi, a 27-year-old from Sound Beach, NY, who has not only steadied the net but emerged as a breakout story in Raleigh.
From AHL Journeyman to NHL Breakout
Bussi’s journey to this moment wasn’t a straight line. After three seasons and 111 games with the Providence Bruins in the AHL, he never got the NHL look he was hoping for in Boston.
He signed with Florida and was bound for Charlotte to join the Checkers when fate intervened. Instead of suiting up for the Panthers or logging more AHL mileage, he got his shot with Carolina - and he’s made the most of it.
Eight starts into his NHL career, Bussi owns a 7-1-0 record with a 2.11 goals-against average and a .907 save percentage. He’s already picked up his first NHL assist - against the Islanders on October 30 - and his first career shutout - a 32-save gem against Calgary on November 30. That’s not just a hot start; that’s a goalie seizing his moment.
He wrapped up November with a perfect 4-0-0 record, a 1.98 GAA, and .895 SV%, building on a strong October where he went 3-1-0 in his first four starts. More importantly, he’s delivered wins.
Andersen, in comparison, has gone 5-6-2 in 13 starts. And while the numbers don’t tell the full story - Carolina’s defensive structure helps any goalie - Bussi has been more than a placeholder.
He’s been a difference-maker.
Brind’Amour: “Timely Saves”
Head coach Rod Brind’Amour summed it up best after Bussi’s shutout win over the Flames: “He’s been great for us. He’s come up with the timely saves.”
That’s the key phrase - timely saves. Brind’Amour isn’t saying Bussi’s facing 40 shots a night or pulling off miracle performances every game.
But when the Hurricanes need a stop - a breakaway, a 2-on-1, a rebound in a one-goal game - Bussi’s been there. That kind of clutch goaltending is what separates wins from losses in today’s NHL.
And it’s not just one or two games. Bussi’s been consistent. He’s on a five-game winning streak and has earned the trust of the coaching staff, who continue to turn to him even as the goalie room gets more crowded.
What Happens When Kochetkov Returns?
Here’s where things get interesting.
Kochetkov, when healthy, has been excellent - 4-0-0 with a 1.70 GAA and a .926 SV%. Andersen, despite his rocky record, still carries the experience and the confidence of the coaching staff. Brind’Amour has always shown loyalty to his veterans, and Andersen will continue to get his starts.
So how do you juggle three NHL-caliber goaltenders? That’s the challenge Carolina faces moving forward.
It’s a good problem to have - most teams around the league are scrambling to find one consistent netminder, let alone three - but it’s a problem nonetheless. Ice time, rhythm, and confidence all matter, especially for goalies.
Keeping everyone sharp and engaged won’t be easy.
But Bussi has done more than just hold the fort. He’s forced his way into the conversation. He’s earned more than a look - he’s earned a real shot to stay.
Looking Ahead: A Future in Raleigh?
Bussi is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Right now, he’s playing himself into a bigger role - and potentially a longer stay - with the Hurricanes. If he keeps this up, it’s not hard to imagine Carolina’s front office, led by Eric Tulsky, starting to think long-term.
There’s still a lot of season left, and the goaltending picture could change quickly. But Bussi has already proven he belongs.
He’s not just a feel-good story or an emergency call-up. He’s a legitimate NHL goaltender making an impact on a team with serious playoff aspirations.
For now, the Hurricanes will ride the hot hand. And right now, that hand belongs to Brandon Bussi.