Brandon Bussi enters Rod Brind'Amour's camp as Carolina's likely starter after an unforgettable Stanley Cup finish.
Bussi appeared only 4 times during the playoffs, and every appearance came in the Final against Vegas.
He replaced Frederik Andersen in Game 3, then started and won the final 3 games of the series.
His 22-save shutout in Game 6 secured Carolina's second Stanley Cup and instantly changed his place inside the organization.
That run earned Bussi the first chance. It didn't answer whether he can carry a defending champion through an 82-game schedule.
Bussi went 31-6-2 with a 2.47 goals-against average during the regular season. He followed with a .931 save percentage in the postseason.
Carolina now appears ready to pair him with Pyotr Kochetkov after Andersen signed with Edmonton, leaving Brind'Amour without an established veteran safety net.
“Brandon Bussi proved he can deliver under enormous pressure, but three Stanley Cup Final wins do not guarantee success over an 82-game season. Carolina is placing major trust in a goalie who has never carried a full NHL workload.” - Chris Pownall, Yardbarker
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Kochetkov made only 9 appearances last season because of a lower-body injury. He went 6-2-0 with a 2.33 goals-against average.
His .899 save percentage still leaves doubt, especially after he posted an .897 mark across 47 games the previous season.
Andersen struggled during the regular season, but his playoff response mattered. He went 13-2 with a 1.89 goals-against average before a knee injury opened the door for Bussi.
“The Hurricanes lost more than Frederik Andersen's regular-season numbers when he left for Edmonton. They also lost an experienced veteran capable of surviving difficult stretches without allowing the season to unravel.”
- Chris Pownall, Yardbarker
Eric Tulsky is betting that Bussi's calm under Final pressure can translate into consistency, workload management and recovery after difficult nights.
That is the risk. Three brilliant starts in June proved Bussi can handle enormous moments, but they didn't prove how he responds to a rough month.
“Carolina may have very few weaknesses, but its current goaltending situation is impossible to ignore. The defending champions are relying on an inexperienced starter and a backup with concerning health and consistency questions.”
- Chris Pownall, Yardbarker
Carolina doesn't need to take the crease away from him. It needs an experienced third option who can start when injuries hit or the tandem loses its rhythm.
Bussi deserves opening night and the chance to own the job. But the defending champions are asking a first-year starter and an uneven backup to protect a roster built for another Cup run.
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