Hurricanes Sign Undrafted Goalie Brandon Bussi to $5.7M Contract

The Carolina Hurricanes have locked up the breakout goaltender on a long-term deal.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Carolina Hurricanes have signed undrafted goaltender Brandon Bussi to a 3-year, $5.7 million contract, preventing him from becoming an unrestricted free agent. Bussi, who worked his way up from the AHL, has been a revelation for the Hurricanes this season, posting the second-best goals against average in the NHL at 2.16. Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky praised Bussi's success at every level and his ability to provide a "steady presence in the crease" as the team sits atop the Metropolitan Division.

Why it matters

Bussi's emergence has been a key factor in the Hurricanes' strong start to the season, as they currently lead their division. Locking him up long-term provides stability in net and helps solidify the Hurricanes as Stanley Cup contenders.

The details

Prior to the NHL season being paused for the Winter Olympics, the Hurricanes went on a 3-game win streak with Bussi as their starting goaltender. The undrafted 24-year-old worked his way up from an entry-level contract with the AHL's Providence Bruins before signing with the Hurricanes. In 27 games this season, Bussi has the second-best goals against average in the NHL at 2.16, helping the Hurricanes to 23 wins in 27 games.

  • The Hurricanes signed Bussi to a 3-year, $5.7 million contract on February 16, 2026.
  • Bussi has played 27 games for the Hurricanes so far this season.

The players

Brandon Bussi

A 24-year-old undrafted goaltender who has emerged as a breakout star for the Carolina Hurricanes this season.

Rod Brind'Amour

The head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes, who has trusted Bussi with significant playing time this season.

Eric Tulsky

The general manager of the Carolina Hurricanes, who praised Bussi's success at every level and signed him to a long-term contract.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Eric Tulsky, General Manager, Carolina Hurricanes (NHL.com)

What’s next

The Hurricanes will look to Bussi to continue his strong play in net as they push for a deep playoff run and potential Stanley Cup championship.

The takeaway

The Hurricanes' decision to sign the undrafted Bussi to a long-term contract shows their commitment to developing talent and building a contending team around homegrown players. Bussi's emergence as a top-tier NHL goaltender is a testament to his hard work and the Hurricanes' ability to identify and nurture undervalued talent.