The Carolina Hurricanes now face a new challenge: playing as reigning Stanley Cup champion

The Carolina Hurricanes enter the 2026-27 NHL season as the reigning Stanley Cup champions after defeating the Vegas Golden Knights in the Stanley Cup Final, having also overcome an Eastern Conference Final hurdle. The team's roster remains largely intact heading into the new season. However, the Hurricanes did lose a veteran goaltender, with Brandon Bussi identified as one of the goaltenders on the roster.