Hurricanes Stick With Bussi And Kochetkov As Tandem Sounds – Hockey Writers – Carolina Hurricanes

When it comes to scoring for the Carolina Hurricanes, it’s always been a topic of conversation every season. Even after winning the Stanley Cup, rumors spread about the crease in Raleigh. While there are rumors that the Hurricanes are interested in Winnipeg Jets player Connor Hellebuyck, holding on to what they have makes sense.

Sticking with Brandon Bussi and Pyotr Kochetkov

After Day 1 of the NHL Draft on June 26, general manager Eric Tulsky met with the media for his end-of-season media availability. One of the topics was about the state of goaltending. At that time, there was a question about Frederik Andersen and whether he would return. The answer to that came a few days later when he signed with the Edmonton Oilers on July 1 to a one-year, $2.8 million deal.

In that same article, Tulsky said the Hurricanes would be “relieved” by the tandem of Brandon Bussi and Pyotr Kochetkov if that happens. He also said that “unless something surprising happens”, the Hurricanes expect Cayden Primeau to return as their third baseman.

As for Bussi and Kochetkov, it makes sense to go with that tandem in 2026-27, especially after Bussi helped the Hurricanes win the Stanley Cup a few weeks earlier. In his first season in Carolina, Bussi finished with a 31-6-2 record with a 2.47 goals against average (GAA), .895 save percentage (SV%), and two shutouts. In his four games during the playoffs, he finished with a 3-1-0 record with a 1.60 GAA, .931 SV%, and one shutout.

Hopefully, after signing his three-year, $5.7 million deal back in February, Bussi continues his ascent in the organization. Currently, he is considered 1A alongside Kochetkov, who missed most of last season due to hip surgery.

Before missing most of the season with a knee injury, Kochetkov had a 6-2-0 record following eight starts in nine games. He finished with a 2.33 GAA, .899 SV%, and one shutout. The shutout came on November 4 against the New York Rangers in his first season.

Kochetkov is entering the final year of his four-year, $8 million contract, which pays him $2 million annually. It will be an interesting season for the 27-year-old Russian netminder as he is in a contract year. After posting 50 wins in 89 games over the past two seasons, some were wondering if he would be around for the Hurricanes next season after his 2025-26 injury layoff.

Despite doubters questioning his ability, he has shown time and time again that he can step up when the Hurricanes need it most. Although he may be 1B this coming season, he can secure wins when called upon. In addition, between him and Bussi, they combine to make $3.9 million in 2026-27, a huge difference of $4.6 million compared to Hellebuyck.

Although Hellebuyck is considered one of the five best goaltenders in the NHL, he is also 33 years old and will be earning until he is 38 years old. His current seven-year contract does not expire until the conclusion of the 2030-31 season. In addition, it seems that the asking price is more than what the Hurricanes may think, especially the Buffalo Sabers have been one of the top teams to follow the American netminder.

When it comes down to it, the Hurricanes know the value in Bussi and Kochetkov. Although it’s only a one-season sample size, Bussi has shown time and time again that he can steal wins. It’s hard to change to 31 wins and then follow that up with three straight wins to get the Stanley Cup. As for Kochetkov, he has won a combined 56 games in three seasons. Also, his worst GAA in a season is 2.60 (2024-25), while his best is 2.33 (2023-24 and 2025-26).

Could there be a goaltending move between now and opening night? Of course, there is always the possibility of trade-offs. The Hurricanes are known as a team that will look for promotion if it feels right for them. Right now, they are comfortable with a tandem that has proven they can win. The team in front of them will go down and do what they do best, shut down the teams they are facing. When it comes to the defending Stanley Cup champions, they don’t have to make a move to make a move. They can be patient and trust the guys who got to where they are now.