The Carolina Hurricanes have agreed to a three-year contract extension with goaltender Brandon Bussi, securing the 27-year-old through the 2028-29 season. The deal, worth an average annual value of $1.9 million, recognizes Bussi's rapid rise and record-breaking performance in his first NHL season. In connection with the extension, the team will donate $10,000 to the Autism Society of North Carolina.
Brandon Bussi's journey to the NHL has been remarkable. Claimed off waivers from the Florida Panthers on October 5, 2025, while en route to Charlotte, the Sound Beach, New York native quickly established himself with the Carolina Hurricanes. In 27 games this season, Bussi has posted a 23-3-1 record, a 2.16 goals-against average, and a .908 save percentage, ranking tied for third in the league in wins and second in goals-against average among goaltenders with at least 18 games.
Bussi made his NHL debut on October 14 against the San Jose Sharks, securing a 5-1 victory. He recorded his first shutout on November 30 against Calgary and achieved nine consecutive wins from October 30 to December 19. Notably, he became the fastest goaltender in NHL history to reach 10 wins (after 12 games), 15 wins (after 18 games), and 20 wins (after 24 games).
General Manager Eric Tulsky praised Bussi's consistency: "Before we brought him to Raleigh, Brandon had been successful at every level from the USHL to college to the AHL. Given the opportunity at the NHL level this season, he’s proven to be a winner here too. We are thrilled that he will continue to provide a steady presence in the crease for this team into the future."
The extension runs through the 2028-29 season, aligning with potential opportunities alongside Pyotr Kochetkov, as Frederik Andersen enters the final year of his contract. Bussi, who played college hockey at Western Michigan and had a strong AHL tenure with the Providence Bruins, including All-Rookie Team honors in 2022-23, emphasized his mindset remains unchanged. "Nothing changes, honestly. You’re always proving yourself in this league... it’s up to me to continue to prove what I do," he said.
The Hurricanes Foundation's donation honors Bussi's brother Dylan, who has autism, with Bussi's goalie mask featuring a tribute to raise awareness. Bussi described the gesture as meaningful, noting his close relationship with his brother. Prior to the NHL, Bussi appeared in 111 AHL games, compiling a 63-31-13 record with a 2.61 goals-against average and .915 save percentage.