Brandon Bussi: Difference between revisions

 

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”’Brandon Bussi”’ (born June 25, 1998) is an American professional [[ice hockey]] player who is a [[goaltender]] for the [[Carolina Hurricanes]] of the [[National Hockey League]] (NHL). He played [[college ice hockey]] for [[Western Michigan Broncos men’s ice hockey|Western Michigan University]] in the [[National Collegiate Athletic Association]] (NCAA).

”’Brandon Bussi”’ (born June 25, 1998) is an American professional [[ice hockey]] [[goaltender]] for the [[Carolina Hurricanes]] of the [[National Hockey League]] (NHL). He played [[college ice hockey]] for [[Western Michigan Broncos men’s ice hockey|Western Michigan University]] in the [[National Collegiate Athletic Association]] (NCAA).

==Playing career==

==Playing career==

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====Boston Bruins====

====Boston Bruins====

On March 30, 2022, the [[Boston Bruins]] announced that Bussi would forgo his senior year to sign a one-year, entry-level contract with the team.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/bruins/news/boston-bruins-sign-brandon-bussi-to-one-year-entry-level-contract/c-332442260|title=Boston Bruins Sign Brandon Bussi to One-Year, Entry-Level Contract|website=NHL.com |date=30 March 2022 }}</ref> He would play the rest of the season with the Boston’s [[American Hockey League]] (AHL) affiliate, the [[Providence Bruins]]. He appeared in five games with the team, recording a 3–2–0 record with a shutout.

On March 30, 2022, the [[Boston Bruins]] announced that Bussi would forgo his senior year to sign a one-year, entry-level contract with the team.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/bruins/news/boston-bruins-sign-brandon-bussi-to-one-year-entry-level-contract/c-332442260|title=Boston Bruins Sign Brandon Bussi to One-Year, Entry-Level Contract|website=NHL.com |date=30 2022}}</ref> He would play the rest of the season with the Boston’s [[American Hockey League]] (AHL) affiliate, the [[Providence Bruins]]. He appeared in five games with the team, recording a 3–2–0 record with a shutout.

Bussi had a very successful first full season with the Providence Bruins. As a rookie, he finished the [[2022–23 AHL season|2022–23 season]] sixth in the league among goalies in [[goals against average]] (GAA) with 2.40 and second in the league in [[save percentage]] (SV%), with .924. Bussi’s play got him named to the 2023 AHL All-Star Game, representing the Atlantic Division.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.providencebruins.com/news/detail/bussi-and-lettieri-named-to-atlantic-division-all-star-team|title=BUSSI AND LETTIERI NAMED TO ATLANTIC DIVISION ALL-STAR TEAM|first=Providence|last=Bruins|website=www.providencebruins.com}}</ref> On April 12, 2023, Bussi was recalled to the NHL squad for an emergency recall.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/bruins/news/bruins-recall-brandon-bussi-on-emergency-basis/c-343440908|title=Bruins Recall Brandon Bussi On Emergency Basis|website=NHL.com |date=12 April 2023 }}</ref> Although he dressed as the backup, he did not play, and was sent back down shortly after. Bussi was named to the AHL’s All-Rookie Team at season’s end.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.providencebruins.com/news/detail/bussi-merkulov-named-to-ahl-all-rookie-team|title=BUSSI, MERKULOV NAMED TO AHL ALL-ROOKIE TEAM|first=Providence|last=Bruins|website=www.providencebruins.com}}</ref>

Bussi had a very successful first full season with the Providence Bruins. As a rookie, he finished the [[2022–23 AHL season|2022–23 season]] sixth in the league among goalies in [[goals against average]] (GAA) with 2.40 and second in the league in [[save percentage]] (SV%), with .924. Bussi’s play got him named to the 2023 AHL All-Star Game, representing the Atlantic Division.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.providencebruins.com/news/detail/bussi-and-lettieri-named-to-atlantic-division-all-star-team|title=BUSSI AND LETTIERI NAMED TO ATLANTIC DIVISION ALL-STAR TEAM|first=Providence|last=Bruins|website=www.providencebruins.com}}</ref> On April 12, 2023, Bussi was recalled to the NHL squad for an emergency recall.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/bruins/news/bruins-recall-brandon-bussi-on-emergency-basis/c-343440908|title=Bruins Recall Brandon Bussi On Emergency Basis|website=NHL.com |date=12 2023}}</ref> Although he dressed as the backup, he did not play, and was sent back down shortly after. Bussi was named to the AHL’s All-Rookie Team at season’s end.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.providencebruins.com/news/detail/bussi-merkulov-named-to-ahl-all-rookie-team|title=BUSSI, MERKULOV NAMED TO AHL ALL-ROOKIE TEAM|first=Providence|last=Bruins|website=www.providencebruins.com}}</ref>

On June 19, 2023, the Bruins announced that they had extended Bussi to a one-year, two-way contract worth $775,000.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.nhl.com/bruins/news/bruins-sign-brandon-bussi-to-one-year-two-way-contract-extension/c-344932366 | title = Bruins sign Brandon Bussi to one-year, two-way contract extension | publisher = [[Boston Bruins]] | date = June 19, 2023 | accessdate = June 19, 2023 }}</ref>

On June 19, 2023, the Bruins announced that they had extended Bussi to a one-year, two-way contract worth $775,000.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.nhl.com/bruins/news/bruins-sign-brandon-bussi-to-one-year-two-way-contract-extension/c-344932366 | title = Bruins sign Brandon Bussi to one-year, two-way contract extension | publisher = [[Boston Bruins]] | date = June 19, 2023 | accessdate = June 19, 2023}}</ref>

Bussi’s successful first season had him penciled in as Providence’s starting goaltender for the [[2023–24 AHL season|2023–24 season]]. Although with the increased responsibility, Bussi’s statistics dipped a little, he still had a successful season, starting 41 games and going 23–10–5. Throughout the season, Bussi was occasionally called up to the NHL team on an emergency basis, due to injuries to Boston’s goaltenders [[Jeremy Swayman]] and [[Linus Ullmark]]. However, Bussi only served as a backup for those games, and did not see NHL action on any of these call-ups. At season’s end, for the second consecutive year, the Providence Bruins were set to face the [[Hartford Wolf Pack]] in the first round of the [[2024 Calder Cup playoffs|Calder Cup playoffs]]. Bussi would start all four games, registering a shutout in Providence’s 6–0 game 2 win. However, this would be the only win of the series for Bussi and the Bruins, as they would fall in four games, with the final two losses going to overtime.

Bussi’s successful first season had him penciled in as Providence’s starting goaltender for the [[2023–24 AHL season|2023–24 season]]. Although with the increased responsibility, Bussi’s statistics dipped a little, he still had a successful season, starting 41 games and going 23–10–5. Throughout the season, Bussi was occasionally called up to the NHL team on an emergency basis, due to injuries to Boston’s goaltenders [[Jeremy Swayman]] and [[Linus Ullmark]]. However, Bussi only served as a backup for those games, and did not see NHL action on any of these call-ups. At season’s end, for the second consecutive year, the Providence Bruins were set to face the [[Hartford Wolf Pack]] in the first round of the [[2024 Calder Cup playoffs|Calder Cup playoffs]]. Bussi would start all four games, registering a shutout in Providence’s 6–0 game 2 win. However, this would be the only win of the series for Bussi and the Bruins, as they would fall in four games, with the final two losses going to overtime.

On June 24, 2024, the Bruins announced that they had once again extended Bussi to a one-year, two-way contract worth $775,000.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bruins re-sign goaltender Brandon Bussi to one-year, two-way extension |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/bruins-re-sign-goaltender-brandon-bussi-to-one-year-two-way-extension/ |access-date=2024-06-25 |website=Sportsnet.ca}}</ref>

On June 24, 2024, the Bruins announced that they had once again extended Bussi to a one-year, two-way contract worth $775,000.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bruins re-sign goaltender Brandon Bussi to one-year, two-way extension |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/bruins-re-sign-goaltender-brandon-bussi-to-one-year-two-way-extension/ |access-date=25 |website=Sportsnet.ca}}</ref>

Bussi started the [[2024–25 AHL season|2024–25]] opening game for the Providence Bruins, a 5–2 loss against the [[Laval Rocket]], which saw him let up five goals. As the season progressed, although their starts were mostly even, Bussi lost out on the starting goaltender job to fellow goaltender [[Michael DiPietro]] due to play. Bussi’s season was very up-and-down, as he recorded a career-high five shutouts throughout the season, but also had five games where he allowed five or more goals, also a career-high. DiPietro earned the starting nod for the [[2025 Calder Cup playoffs]] over Bussi. However, in the early minutes of game 4 of the divisional round against the [[Charlotte Checkers]], DiPietro was injured, forcing Bussi to come in and try to earn the win to stave off elimination. Bussi would make 31 saves on 33 shots as the Bruins beat the Checkers in overtime to force a decisive game 5. Bussi would get the nod in game 5, however the Bruins could not muster any offensive play, getting only eight shots on goal in a 5–2 loss, ending their season.

Bussi started the [[2024–25 AHL season|2024–25]] opening game for the Providence Bruins, a 5–2 loss against the [[Laval Rocket]], which saw him let up five goals. As the season progressed, although their starts were mostly even, Bussi lost out on the starting goaltender job to fellow goaltender [[Michael DiPietro]] due to play. Bussi’s season was very up-and-down, as he recorded a career-high five shutouts throughout the season, but also had five games where he allowed five or more goals, also a career-high. DiPietro earned the starting nod for the [[2025 Calder Cup playoffs]] over Bussi. However, in the early minutes of game 4 of the divisional round against the [[Charlotte Checkers]], DiPietro was injured, forcing Bussi to come in and try to earn the win to stave off elimination. Bussi would make 31 saves on 33 shots as the Bruins beat the Checkers in overtime to force a decisive game 5. Bussi would get the nod in game 5, however the Bruins could not muster any offensive play, getting only eight shots on goal in a 5–2 loss, ending their season.

====Carolina Hurricanes====

====Carolina Hurricanes====

On July 1, 2025, after three years in the Bruins organization, Bussi signed a one-year, two-way contract with the [[Florida Panthers]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Florida Panthers Agree to Terms with Goaltender Brandon Bussi on One-Year, Two-Way Contract |url=https://www.nhl.com/panthers/news/florida-panthers-agree-to-terms-with-goaltender-brandon-bussi-on-one-year-two-way-contract |access-date=2025-07-01 |website=NHL.com |date=2025-07-01}}</ref> However, just three months later, on October 5, Bussi was claimed off waivers by the [[Carolina Hurricanes]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes/news/canes-acquire-brandon-bussi-off-waivers |title=Canes Acquire Brandon Bussi Off Waivers |website=Carolina Hurricanes |date=October 5, 2025 |access-date=October 5, 2025}}</ref>

On July 1, 2025, after three years in the Bruins organization, Bussi signed a one-year, two-way contract with the [[Florida Panthers]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Florida Panthers Agree to Terms with Goaltender Brandon Bussi on One-Year, Two-Way Contract |url=https://www.nhl.com/panthers/news/florida-panthers-agree-to-terms-with-goaltender-brandon-bussi-on-one-year-two-way-contract |access-date=2025 |website=NHL.com |date=2025}}</ref> However, just three months later, on October 5, Bussi was claimed off waivers by the [[Carolina Hurricanes]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes/news/canes-acquire-brandon-bussi-off-waivers |title=Canes Acquire Brandon Bussi Off Waivers |website=Carolina Hurricanes |date=October 5, 2025 |access-date=October 5, 2025}}</ref>

Bussi was named to the Hurricanes’ opening night roster for the [[2025–26 NHL season|2025–26 season]], filling in for the injured [[Pyotr Kochetkov]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Henkel |first1=Ryan |title=The Carolina Hurricanes finalize their Opening Night roster without any surprises |url=https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/carolina-hurricanes/latest-news/hurricanes-reveal-2025-26-opening-season-roster |access-date=December 12, 2025 |website=The Hockey News |date=October 7, 2025}}</ref> Bussi made his NHL debut on October 14, 2025, against the [[San Jose Sharks]], earning a 5–1 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alexander |first=Chip |date=October 15, 2025 |title=How Carolina Hurricanes goalie Brandon Bussi’s life changed with one phone call |url=https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/nhl/carolina-hurricanes/article312486241.html |access-date=October 22, 2025 |website=Raleigh News and Observer}}</ref> He found early success with the Hurricanes, becoming the first NHL goaltender in history to win 10 games in his first 11 appearances.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hurricanes’ Brandon Bussi becomes fastest goalie to reach 10 wins |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/hurricanes-brandon-bussi-becomes-fastest-goalie-to-reach-10-wins/ |access-date=December 12, 2025 |website=Sportsnet.ca |date=December 11, 2025}}</ref> He is currently 11-1 as of December 14, 2025.

Bussi was named to the Hurricanes’ opening night roster for the [[2025–26 NHL season|2025–26 season]], filling in for the injured [[Pyotr Kochetkov]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Henkel |first1=Ryan |title=The Carolina Hurricanes finalize their Opening Night roster without any surprises |url=https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/carolina-hurricanes/latest-news/hurricanes-reveal-2025-26-opening-season-roster |access-date=December 12, 2025 |website=The Hockey News |date=October 7, 2025}}</ref> Bussi made his NHL debut on October 14, 2025, against the [[San Jose Sharks]], earning a 5–1 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alexander |first=Chip |date=October 15, 2025 |title=How Carolina Hurricanes goalie Brandon Bussi’s life changed with one phone call |url=https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/nhl/carolina-hurricanes/article312486241.html |access-date=October 22, 2025 |website=Raleigh News and Observer}}</ref> He found early success with the Hurricanes, becoming the first NHL goaltender in history to win 10 games in his first 11 appearances.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hurricanes’ Brandon Bussi becomes fastest goalie to reach 10 wins |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/hurricanes-brandon-bussi-becomes-fastest-goalie-to-reach-10-wins/ |access-date=December 12, 2025 |website=Sportsnet.ca |date=December 11, 2025}}</ref> He is currently as of December 14, 2025.

==Career statistics==

==Career statistics==

American ice hockey player (born 1998)

Ice hockey player

Brandon Bussi (born June 25, 1998) is an American professional ice hockey goaltender for the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League (NHL). He played college ice hockey for Western Michigan University in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Bussi committed to playing college ice hockey for the Western Michigan University during the 2019–20 season.

In the 2021–22 season, Bussi helped the Broncos win their first-ever game in the NCAA tournament, making 30 saves in a 2–1 overtime win over Northeastern University.^[1] Western Michigan ended up getting eliminated the next round by the University of Minnesota.

On March 30, 2022, the Boston Bruins announced that Bussi would forgo his senior year to sign a one-year, entry-level contract with the team.^[2] He would play the rest of the season with the Boston’s American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Providence Bruins. He appeared in five games with the team, recording a 3–2–0 record with a shutout.

Bussi had a very successful first full season with the Providence Bruins. As a rookie, he finished the 2022–23 season sixth in the league among goalies in goals against average (GAA) with 2.40 and second in the league in save percentage (SV%), with .924. Bussi’s play got him named to the 2023 AHL All-Star Game, representing the Atlantic Division.^[3] On April 12, 2023, Bussi was recalled to the NHL squad for an emergency recall.^[4] Although he dressed as the backup, he did not play, and was sent back down shortly after. Bussi was named to the AHL’s All-Rookie Team at season’s end.^[5]

On June 19, 2023, the Bruins announced that they had extended Bussi to a one-year, two-way contract worth $775,000.^[6]

Bussi’s successful first season had him penciled in as Providence’s starting goaltender for the 2023–24 season. Although with the increased responsibility, Bussi’s statistics dipped a little, he still had a successful season, starting 41 games and going 23–10–5. Throughout the season, Bussi was occasionally called up to the NHL team on an emergency basis, due to injuries to Boston’s goaltenders Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark. However, Bussi only served as a backup for those games, and did not see NHL action on any of these call-ups. At season’s end, for the second consecutive year, the Providence Bruins were set to face the Hartford Wolf Pack in the first round of the Calder Cup playoffs. Bussi would start all four games, registering a shutout in Providence’s 6–0 game 2 win. However, this would be the only win of the series for Bussi and the Bruins, as they would fall in four games, with the final two losses going to overtime.

On June 24, 2024, the Bruins announced that they had once again extended Bussi to a one-year, two-way contract worth $775,000.^[7]

Bussi started the 2024–25 opening game for the Providence Bruins, a 5–2 loss against the Laval Rocket, which saw him let up five goals. As the season progressed, although their starts were mostly even, Bussi lost out on the starting goaltender job to fellow goaltender Michael DiPietro due to play. Bussi’s season was very up-and-down, as he recorded a career-high five shutouts throughout the season, but also had five games where he allowed five or more goals, also a career-high. DiPietro earned the starting nod for the 2025 Calder Cup playoffs over Bussi. However, in the early minutes of game 4 of the divisional round against the Charlotte Checkers, DiPietro was injured, forcing Bussi to come in and try to earn the win to stave off elimination. Bussi would make 31 saves on 33 shots as the Bruins beat the Checkers in overtime to force a decisive game 5. Bussi would get the nod in game 5, however the Bruins could not muster any offensive play, getting only eight shots on goal in a 5–2 loss, ending their season.

On July 1, 2025, after three years in the Bruins organization, Bussi signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Florida Panthers.^[8] However, just three months later, on October 5, Bussi was claimed off waivers by the Carolina Hurricanes.^[9]

Bussi was named to the Hurricanes’ opening night roster for the 2025–26 season, filling in for the injured Pyotr Kochetkov.^[10] Bussi made his NHL debut on October 14, 2025, against the San Jose Sharks, earning a 5–1 victory.^[11] He found early success with the Hurricanes, becoming the first NHL goaltender in history to win 10 games in his first 11 appearances.^[12] He is currently 11–1 as of December 14, 2025.

Award	Year	Ref
AHL
All-Rookie Team	2023
All-Star Game	2023