“I'm pretty pumped to be here!”: Brandon Bussi all set to make his NḤL debut with the Carolina Hurricanes against the Sharks

Brandon Bussi is slated to make his NHL debut Tuesday with the Carolina Hurricanes against the San Jose Sharks. He is currently serving as the No. 2 netminder behind Frederik Andersen due to Pyotr Kochetkov's lower-body injury.

Earlier, the 27-year-old Bussi had appeared in at least 32 regular-season games with the AHL, registering a 15-14-3 record, .907 save percentage, and 2.77 GAA over 33 outings in 2024-25.Bussi, who was the first player off the ice in Tuesday’s morning skate, has spent most of his professional career as a backup or AHL starter. Now, due to a convergence of circumstances, he has the opportunity to finally step into the NHL spotlight.

Brandon Bussi all set to make his career debut against the San Jose Sharks

Brandon Bussi is expected to make his long-awaited NHL debut Tuesday night when the Carolina Hurricanes face the San Jose Sharks, marking a major milestone in the 25-year-old goaltender’s career.After years of strong performances in the AHL, Bussi is finally getting his shot at the NHL level. Speaking about his debut at the NHL, the goaltending coach Paul Schonfelder stated, "He's been great. Good in practice, he has a great attitude and, good work ethic.

Obviously, I didn't know him personally before he got here, but he's been great and has fit in real well. He's worked hard and I think if he shows what he does in practice in a game, then he'll be fine.

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Meanwhile, Brandon Bussi also shared his view and excitement on his debut, stating, “The hockey world can be crazy at times and that call was a special moment for me, my fiancée and my family, everyone involved," He further stated, "Any day you're in the NHL is a privilege so I'm pretty pumped to be here." Speaking about his experience with the team, Bussi also added, "It's a great locker room. And everything from the top down, management, coach, players, staff, everyone has made me feel super welcome and just like another one of the guys."

What did the head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes say on Bussi’s debut?

Head coach Rod Brind’Amour expressed confidence in the young netminder despite his lack of NHL experience."He went for some more testing. I think we're just going to keep him out for a while," Rod Brind'Amour said following morning skate.

He further added, "I don't think it's super serious, but he doesn't quite feel right. So, for right now, he's not on this trip."According to the NHL, Bussi, 27, will make his first start in the league after 111 games at the American Hockey League level. The 2023 AHL All-Star was claimed off waivers by the Canes on October 5 and gets his opportunity with Pyotr Kochetkov, who has been sidelined due to a lower-body injury.Also read: Why has Rangers coach Mike Sullivan asked for heightened awareness around Connor McDavid? | NHL News - The Times of India