Carolina Hurricanes’ Quiet Waiver Claim Brandon Bussi Is Becoming a Key Part of Their Future

The Carolina Hurricanes' decision to claim Brandon Bussi off waivers in October 2025 is starting to pay off, as the young goaltender has become a reliable presence in net for the team. Bussi, who initially flew under the radar, has impressed with his steady play and growing confidence, helping solidify the Hurricanes' depth and potentially shaping their long-term plans in goal.

Bussi was claimed from the Florida Panthers with little fanfare, but the move was backed by Hurricanes goalie coach Paul Schonfelder, who had repeatedly recommended the 24-year-old netminder. “The name had been floating around the room for a bit,” said Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour. Bussi’s audition in practice was enough to convince the coaching staff to give him a shot, even if Brind’Amour hadn’t seen him play in a game before.

That opportunity came quickly. In his first start for Carolina, Bussi made 28 saves on 30 shots in a 3-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Hurricanes didn’t need a hero performance, just a solid, composed effort, and that’s exactly what he delivered. Since then, Bussi has maintained that level of play, posting a .912 save percentage over 12 games played in the 2025–26 season.

What sets Bussi apart is his consistency. He has allowed two or fewer goals in eight of those 12 games, including a three-game winning streak in February. His average of 26.5 saves per game ranks in the top 25 percent among rookie goalies. Bussi’s ability to reset after each shot and stay within the structure of the team’s system has earned the trust of both his teammates and the coaching staff.

Rod Brind’Amour and his staff have been impressed with how Bussi’s game has translated from practice to the ice. “That’s usually the moment where an internal ‘let’s keep an eye on this guy’ turns into something more like ‘we might actually have something here,’” Brind’Amour noted.

The Hurricanes’ patience with Bussi has paid dividends. Rather than rushing him, they’ve allowed him to grow into the role at his own pace. That approach fits the team’s identity and has helped Bussi find his rhythm without unnecessary pressure.

With the playoffs on the horizon, Bussi is likely to see more action as the Hurricanes continue to evaluate their options in goal. His steady performance has positioned him as a viable long-term option for a team looking to build a sustainable contender.