2025-26
Record: 53-22-7, 113 points, 1st in Metropolitan Division
Playoffs: 2026 Stanley Cup Champions
Key Losses
G – Frederik Andersen (EDM)
Key Additions
None
2026-27 Preview
Staying on Top
After years of playoff disappointment, the Carolina Hurricanes finally broke through in 2026, winning the Stanley Cup for the first time since 2006. Following three trips to the Eastern Conference Final, they finally got over the hump and captured hockey’s ultimate prize. Now, the challenge shifts from reaching the summit to proving they can stay there, particularly with rivals like the Florida Panthers still among the Eastern Conference’s elite.
Head coach Rod Brind’Amour enters his ninth season behind the Carolina bench with his legacy further cemented after delivering a championship. Having answered questions about whether he could guide the Hurricanes to a Stanley Cup, Brind’Amour now faces the equally difficult task of leading his team back to the top in what promises to be another fiercely competitive Eastern Conference, especially with the Atlantic Division as strong as ever.
The Hurricanes also enter the 2026-27 season with remarkable continuity. Aside from a change in goal following Frederik Andersen’s departure, Carolina’s championship core remains intact. That familiarity should serve the Hurricanes well as they look to make another deep playoff run and defend their Stanley Cup title.
How Will the Goaltending Be?
With Frederik Andersen departing for Edmonton in free agency, Brandon Bussi is set to take over as the Hurricanes’ No. 1 goaltender. Carolina turned to Bussi when Andersen was unable to finish the Stanley Cup Final, and the young netminder made the most of his opportunity.
Bussi enjoyed an outstanding rookie season, posting a 31-6-2 record during the regular season before going 3-1 in the Stanley Cup Final to help lead the Hurricanes to their first Stanley Cup championship in 20 years. His strong play earned the organization’s confidence and positioned him to take on a larger role heading into the 2026-27 campaign.
Meanwhile, Pyotr Kochetkov enters the season with a chance to re-establish himself. The Hurricanes carried three goaltenders for much of last season, limiting his opportunities, but Andersen’s departure opens the door for Kochetkov to solidify himself as Carolina’s No. 2 goaltender and a reliable 1B option for head coach Rod Brind’Amour.
The upcoming season will be an important one for both goaltenders. Bussi will look to prove he can handle the responsibilities of being a full-time starter, while Kochetkov will be aiming to remind the organization why he was once viewed as a key part of Carolina’s future in goal.
Projected Lineup
Offense
Andrei Svechnikov — Sebastian Aho — Jordan Martinook
Taylor Hall — Logan Stankoven — Jackson Blake
Nikolaj Ehlers — Jordan Staal — Jesperi Kotkaniemi
William Carrier — Mark Jankowski — Eric Robinson
Defense
Jaccob Slavin — Jalen Chatfield
K’Andre Miller — Sean Walker
Shayne Gostisbehere — Alexander Nikishin
Goalies
Brandon Bussi
Pyotr Kochetkov
Scratches/LTIR
Seth Jarvis (Shoulder Surgery)