It’s time for some more NHL rumours. We’re nearing the Winter Olympic break and that means general managers are going to get busy. The rosters freeze just before the games, but that doesn’t mean that extension talks can’t happen. We’ve seen some trades take place, but we could also see other activities.
One team that could lock down one of their key young players is the Carolina Hurricanes. This edition of NHL rumours deals with impending contract talks with their breakout netminder.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Update on Contract Extension Talks with Young Carolina Hurricanes Goalie
Rumour: We offer an update on where contract extension talks stand with the Hurricanes and young goalie Brandon Bussi.
Analysis: We’ll go through multiple sources to find out where negotiations are going between Bussi and the Canes. Carolina general manager Eric Tulsky sat down for an interview with The North State Journal’s Cory Lavalette. The subject of giving Bussi a new deal came up in the chat.
Bussi has been a revelation in between the pipes for the Hurricanes. There was a massive worry in goal after Pyotr Kochetkov was ruled out for the rest of the season. Frederik Andersen is a good enough goalie, but the team needed someone to shoulder the load in the crease.
Enter the 27-year-old, who has put together a strong rookie season for Carolina. The Sound Beach, New York native has a 19-3-1 record with a 2.15 goals-against-average and .909 save percentage. His performance has given the Canes some breathing room and a possible chance to address other needs at the trade deadline.
However, the former Western Michigan University product is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. Goaltending has long been a question when it comes to the Hurricanes, but Tulsky has a chance to solidify the team’s situation.
What It Means
David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period was the first outlet to report that Bussi and the Hurricanes were in contract talks. Pagnotta’s article about contract talks came out on January 24 and stated that all signs are likely that Bussi will remain with the club.
The rise of Bussi has been an incredible one since being claimed off waivers from the Florida Panthers in October. Bussi’s surprising run is one of the reasons that the Hurricanes are in first place in the Metropolitan Division.
However, there are still some concerns regarding a new deal for Bussi, who currently gets $775,000 per season. There’s no doubt that he’ll likely command a decent raise from his current salary.
Lavalette’s interview also brings up sample size as a possible worry for Tulsky. The general manager said it was a valid point, but he added that they’ve been aggressive at signing deals for players in that situation. Tulsky also mentioned that all types of deals have been discussed, including a short-term contract. The general manager stated that all options are on the table.
Carolina could still give Bussi a well-deserved raise, but it would also provide insurance in case he’s a one-season wonder. There’s an old saying that goaltenders are voodoo, and the Canes want to hedge their bets.
Main photo by: Marc DesRosiers-IMAGN Images