Hurricanes Sticking With Bussi & Kochetkov as the Tandem Makes Sense

When it comes to the goaltending with the Carolina Hurricanes, it’s always a topic of discussion every offseason. Even after winning the Stanley Cup, rumors are circulating about the crease in Raleigh. Despite the rumors of the Hurricanes taking interest in Winnipeg Jets’ Connor Hellebuyck, sticking with the tandem they have now makes sense.

Sticking With Brandon Bussi and Pyotr Kochetkov

Following 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 goaltending situation. At the time, there was a question about Frederik Andersen and whether he was coming back. 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.

Along that same topic, Tulsky said that the Hurricanes would be “comfortable” with the tandem of Brandon Bussi and Pyotr Kochetkov if it came down to that. He also stated that “unless something surprising happens”, the Hurricanes expect Cayden Primeau to be back as their third goalie.

Regarding Bussi and Kochetkov, it makes sense to go with that tandem in 2026-27, especially after Bussi helped the Hurricanes win the Stanley Cup just a couple of weeks earlier. During his first season in Carolina, Bussi finished with a 31-6-2 record with a 2.47 goals-against average (GAA), a .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, a .931 SV%, and one shutout.

The hope, after signing his three-year, $5.7 million deal extension back in February, Bussi continues his upward trajectory within the organization. As of right now, he is considered the 1A in the tandem with Kochetkov, who missed most of last season due to hip surgery.

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

Kochetkov is entering the final year of his four-year, $8 million deal, which pays him $2 million annually. It’ll be an interesting season for the 27-year-old Russian netminder as he is in a contract year. After securing 50 wins in 89 games over the last two seasons, some wondered if he would be on the Hurricanes this upcoming season after his injury in 2025-26.

Even with doubters questioning his ability, he has shown time and time again that he can come up clutch when the Hurricanes needed it most. While he might be the 1B this upcoming season, he can secure the wins when called upon. Furthermore, between him and Bussi, they combine to make $3.9 million in 2026-27, a massive $4.6 million difference compared to Hellebuyck.

While Hellebuyck is considered one of the top five goalies in the NHL, he is also 33 and will be getting paid until he is 38 years old. His current seven-year deal does not end until the completion of the 2030-31 season. Furthermore, it seems like the asking price is more than what the Hurricanes might consider, especially with the Buffalo Sabres being one of the top teams to go after the American netminder.

When it comes down to it, the Hurricanes know what they have in Bussi and Kochetkov. While it is only a one-season sample size, Bussi showed time and time again that he can steal wins. It’s hard to fluke into 31 wins and then follow that up with three straight wins to secure a Stanley Cup. Regarding Kochetkov, he has won a combined 56 games in three seasons. Plus, 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 move for a goalie between now and opening night? Sure, there is always a possibility of a trade happening. The Hurricanes are known as a team that will look at upgrades if it makes sense for them. As of now, they are comfortable with a tandem that has proven it can win. It will come down to the team in front of them doing what they do best, shutting down opposing teams. When it comes to the defending Stanley Cup champions, they don’t need to make a move just to make a move. They can be patient and trust in the guys who got them to where they are now.