Hurricanes Look to Defend Cup Without Andersen in Net

The Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup in June, their first since 2006, and return nearly the entire roster that delivered 113 points and a Metropolitan Division title. The loss of Frederik Andersen to Edmonton in free agency is significant, but the core is intact and the front office added depth on defense. This is a team built to contend again.

Last season in review

Carolina dominated the regular season with a 53-22-7 record, finishing first in the Metropolitan. The offense was balanced and deep, scoring 296 goals with Sebastian Aho (27 goals, 53 assists) leading the way at 80 points. Nikolaj Ehlers, acquired before the season, posted 71 points (26 goals, 45 assists) in his first year with the club. Andrei Svechnikov added 31 goals and 70 points. The defense allowed 240 goals, a solid mark for a high-tempo team. Brandon Bussi went 31-6-2 in net but posted a .895 save percentage, suggesting the team's structure and depth carried much of the load. That depth carried through the playoffs, where Carolina shut out Vegas 3-0 in Game 6 of the Final to claim the Cup.

Ins and outs

• Out: Frederik Andersen (signed with Edmonton as a free agent, per newsobserver.com)
• In: Veteran defensemen acquired via draft-day trades (per wral.com)

The Hurricanes traded their first-round pick on draft day to acquire four selections and add veteran defensemen, according to wral.com. They also acquired two picks from Nashville, per nhl.com. Beyond Andersen's exit, the roster picture remains largely unchanged.

The big question

Can Brandon Bussi or another goalie step up as a true number one? Bussi won 31 games last season but his .895 save percentage was below league average. Andersen was the playoff starter and his departure leaves a void. Carolina's system can mask goaltending weaknesses, but repeating as champions will require better netminding.

X-factor

Brandon Bussi. The 26-year-old netminder has the crease to himself now and the Hurricanes need him to prove he can be more than a product of the team in front of him. If Bussi elevates his save percentage into the .910 range or better, Carolina remains a juggernaut. If he struggles, the front office may need to make a move before the trade deadline.

Bold prediction

The Hurricanes will win the Metropolitan Division again and return to the conference final, but goaltending will cost them a chance to repeat as Cup champions.

The outlook

Carolina opens the season at home against Florida on September 29 with a championship banner to raise and a target on its back. The core is elite, the defense has been reinforced, and the offense should hum again. But until the goaltending question is answered, this team's ceiling is uncertain. A deep playoff run is likely. A second straight Cup will depend on what happens between the pipes.