Brandon Bussey, Hurricanes are evaluating a $5.7 million contract extension

The Carolina Hurricanes signed goaltender Brandon Bussey to a three-year, $5.7 million contract on Monday. After getting sacked to start the season, Bussey became a breakout star in Carolina. From an undrafted minor league goaltender with the Boston Bruins to a long stint in Carolina, it’s been a tumultuous year for the goaltender. How did the Hurricanes and Busi fare in these negotiations?

After an NCAA career at Western Michigan University, Bussey joined the Bruins organization. He played over 100 games throughout the minor leagues for Boston before being waived prior to this season. The Hurricanes picked him up and he became one of the best stories in the league. With a 23-3-1 record, he is a Calder Trophy contender and is helping the Hurricanes maintain their lead in the Metropolitan Division.

Did the Hurricanes shut down Bussey with too small a sample? Should Bussey have waited for free agency to gauge the market? Or was this deal good for both parties?

The Hurricanes answer one of their biggest questions

Before last year’s NHL trade deadline, the Hurricanes tried to answer their biggest question. They made a massive trade for Mika Rantanen, but he could not agree on an extension of the contract. They sent him back at the deadline, making a trade with the Dallas Stars. Scoring is their biggest need, but an elite goaltender could also put them over the hump. Bussey’s development shows that sometimes singles quickly turn into homers.

The Hurricanes took a swing at the Rantanen trade, but it didn’t work out. Whether they will swing again with the assets they received remains to be seen. But Bussey’s contract gives them stability in the network at a below-market price. With him and Piotr Kochetkov under the contract for a a combined $3.9 million for next season, they can add at the deadline and in the offseason.

Hurricanes win A+not only for Bussi’s contract, but also for finding and developing it. Frederik Andersen was a solid goaltender for them, but he couldn’t get them to the Stanley Cup Finals. It’s a low-risk bet that Bussy can be that guy.

Brandon Bussi is preparing for future financial gains

There’s nothing wrong with signing a contract that guarantees you $5.7 million. Bussi did so just a few months after his chance to make that kind of money seemed long gone. His performance certainly earned him a contract extension, and he will be able to increase his value and continue his incredible season in the playoffs.

When this contract expires, Busey will be 31 years old with four years as the Hurricanes goaltender under him. With Carolina’s core still in its prime, that should include plenty of playoff games and could include a deep run. That would make Bussy one of the best free agent goaltenders in the world after the explosion drop.

The first test for Bussey as a proven commodity will come when the NHL returns from the Olympic break. No different than pitchers, teams can find a goaltender in the second game. The 23 wins in 27 starts he posted before the break is sensational, but everyone knows it’s not sustainable. How he reacts to those changes will depend on how his new season ends.

Bussi gets an A- for this deal. If he continues to be one of the best goaltenders in the league, he will be underpaid for the next three seasons. But he has a chance to sign a huge contract down the road, and now has security if the magic carpet ride ends.