Carolina Hurricanes 3 Stars of October 2025

The Carolina Hurricanes wrapped up October 2025 with an impressive 7-3-0 record, establishing themselves as one of the early-season success stories in the NHL. Despite battling through a significant injury crisis that depleted their lineup throughout the month, the Hurricanes collected 14 of 20 possible points and maintained their position as legitimate contenders in the Metropolitan Division. As the calendar turned to November, three players emerged from the pack as the standout performers who carried the team through adversity and established the foundation for what could be a memorable season.

The month featured dramatic moments, historic achievements, and unexpected heroes stepping up when the team needed them most. From waiver wire pickups making instant impacts to established stars continuing their excellence, October showcased the depth and resilience that defines this Hurricanes squad. Let’s examine the three players who earned recognition as the Carolina Hurricanes 3 stars of October 2025 and how their contributions shaped the team’s strong start to the campaign.

Third star: Brandon Bussi’s remarkable NHL breakthrough

Brandon Bussi’s journey to becoming one of the Carolina Hurricanes 3 stars of October 2025 is nothing short of remarkable. The 27-year-old goaltender wasn’t even on Carolina’s roster during training camp, having signed with the Florida Panthers during the offseason after spending over four seasons in the Boston Bruins organization. When the Hurricanes claimed Bussi off waivers on October 5, nobody could have predicted the impact he would make in such a short time.

The circumstances surrounding Bussi’s opportunity were born from necessity. With Pyotr Kochetkov beginning the season on injured reserve, the Hurricanes needed a reliable backup behind Frederik Andersen. Bussi had accumulated 111 games with the Providence Bruins in the AHL but had never received a legitimate shot at the NHL level. His detour from Charlotte to Raleigh would prove to be a career-defining moment.

His NHL debut against the San Jose Sharks on October 14 during the State Fair road trip immediately validated the Hurricanes’ decision to claim him. Bussi stopped 16 shots in a 5-1 victory, earning his first NHL win and announcing his arrival on hockey’s biggest stage. The performance wasn’t just about the numbers—it was about the composure and confidence he displayed in his first meaningful action against the world’s best players.

Bussi followed up his debut with two more victories during the month, capping October with an assist on October 30 against the New York Islanders. Through four appearances, he compiled a 3-1-0 record with a 2.25 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage. These statistics don’t just represent solid goaltending—we represent crucial victories during a period when the Hurricanes were hemorrhaging players to injury.

The praise from teammates speaks volumes about Bussi’s preparation and character. Defenseman Mike Reilly noted after the win over the Islanders: “He works his ass off. In practice, he competes for every single puck. He’s a great kid, too. It’s good to see him rewarded, and obviously, it’s a great opportunity for him right now.” This work ethic and competitive nature translated directly into game performance, giving Andersen much-needed rest and keeping the Hurricanes competitive in every contest.

Bussi’s emergence created an unexpected roster dilemma for Carolina when Kochetkov was activated from injured reserve on October 31. As a waiver-eligible player, the Hurricanes risked losing him if they attempted to send him down. His October performance made it clear that Bussi had earned the right to stay in the NHL, potentially forcing the team to carry three goaltenders on the active roster. For a player who was destined for the AHL just weeks earlier, becoming indispensable to an NHL contender represents a stunning achievement.

Second star: Sebastian Aho’s steady excellence continues

Sebastian Aho’s inclusion among the Carolina Hurricanes 3 stars of October 2025 comes as no surprise to anyone who has followed his career. The Finnish center has been a cornerstone of Carolina’s success for years, and he began the 2025-26 season with one of his most impressive stretches. Aho posted points in the team’s first nine games, marking the third-longest season-opening point streak in franchise history behind only Ron Francis (11 games in 1984-85) and his own 12-game streak from 2018-19.

What made Aho’s October particularly impressive was the consistency and versatility he displayed. He finished the month tied for the team lead with 11 points, accumulating four goals and seven assists while averaging over 20 minutes of ice time per game. The seven assists led the Hurricanes, showcasing his ability to both finish plays and create opportunities for his linemates.

Aho’s shooting percentage of 17.3 percent represents his highest mark since the 2019-20 season, when he posted an 18.4 percent clip. This improvement reflects a more refined approach to shot selection, as Aho has become less hesitant to pull the trigger while maintaining his elite playmaking abilities. The balance between shooting and facilitating has made him even more dangerous and difficult for opponents to defend.

The chemistry between Aho and his linemate Seth Jarvis continued to flourish throughout October, with the duo combining for 22 points and providing the offensive catalyst the Hurricanes needed. Their connection extends beyond even-strength play, as they excel together on both the power play and penalty kill. The addition of Nikolaj Ehlers to their line created a trio that showed increasing chemistry with each game, despite Ehlers still searching for his first goal of the season.

Aho’s contributions extended beyond the scoresheet. His defensive responsibility, faceoff proficiency, and leadership during the injury crisis demonstrated why he remains one of the most complete centers in the NHL. When the Carolina Hurricanes faced the Colorado Avalanche on throwback night, Aho’s presence helped stabilize the team through a dramatic comeback attempt by the opposition.

The consistency of Aho’s production is perhaps most impressive when considering the context. While playing alongside injured teammates and constantly adjusting to lineup changes, he maintained his elite level of play without showing any signs of frustration or decline. If Aho can sustain this shooting percentage while continuing to facilitate offense, he’s on pace for an 85-90 point season, which would rank among the best of his career. His steady excellence in October provided the foundation upon which the Hurricanes built their early success.

First star: Seth Jarvis makes history with clutch performances

Seth Jarvis claimed the top spot among the Carolina Hurricanes 3 stars of October 2025 with a performance that included both statistical dominance and historic achievements. The 22-year-old forward led the team with seven goals and tied Aho for the team lead with 11 points, but those numbers only tell part of the story. Jarvis became the first player in NHL history to score the game-winning goal in four of his team’s first five games of a season—a record that not even Wayne Gretzky managed to accomplish.

The clutch factor that Jarvis displayed throughout October elevated him beyond simply being a productive scorer. He recorded two overtime goals during the month, consistently delivering when the stakes were highest and the pressure most intense. His seven-game point streak to begin the season matched Aho stride for stride before cooling slightly in the final three games of October. Even with that minor dip, Jarvis remained the team’s most dangerous offensive threat.

Jarvis’s goal-scoring prowess came with remarkable efficiency. His 20 percent shooting percentage through 10 games already represented a career high, demonstrating improved accuracy and confidence in his offensive abilities. While averaging 19:42 of ice time per game, he contributed in all situations, leading the team in game-winning goals (four) and overtime goals (two) while also scoring one power-play goal and one shorthanded marker.

The chemistry between Jarvis and Aho proved to be a dominant force throughout October. Their ability to read each other’s tendencies and create offense both at even strength and on special teams made them one of the most productive duos in the NHL during the month. With Ehlers rounding out their line, the potential for this trio to become even more dangerous as the season progresses is tantalizing.

Jarvis’s historic start carries significant implications for the Hurricanes’ championship aspirations. The team hasn’t reached the Stanley Cup Final since 2006, and they’re approaching the 20th anniversary of their only championship. If Jarvis and Aho can maintain their superstar-level production, Carolina possesses the offensive firepower necessary to compete with any team in the league. Jarvis has evolved from a promising young player into a legitimate star capable of taking over games when needed most.

One minor concern emerged late in October when Jarvis left the game against the New York Islanders after blocking a shot. The hope is that this doesn’t derail the momentum he built throughout the month. When healthy and playing with confidence, Jarvis has proven he can be the difference-maker that elevates Carolina from playoff contender to championship threat. His October performance set the standard for excellence and clutch play that could define the Hurricanes’ entire season.

What October revealed about the Carolina Hurricanes 3 stars of October 2025

The performances of these three players provide insight into the different dimensions of Carolina’s success. Bussi represented the unexpected contributor who seized an opportunity and validated the organizational depth that championship teams require. His journey from waiver wire pickup to essential roster piece demonstrates the unpredictable nature of NHL success and the importance of preparation meeting opportunity.

Aho embodied consistency and reliability, providing the steady presence that allows teams to weather adversity. His ability to produce at an elite level while never dominating the spotlight speaks to his team-first mentality and complete understanding of winning hockey. In a month where Carolina’s lineup changed nearly every game due to injuries, Aho’s consistency provided an anchor point around which the team could organize itself.

Jarvis showcased the star power and clutch gene that separates good teams from great ones. His historic achievements and ability to deliver in crucial moments demonstrated that Carolina possesses a legitimate game-breaker capable of winning games single-handedly when necessary. The combination of youth, skill, and competitive fire that Jarvis brings makes him a cornerstone piece for the franchise’s future.

Together, these three players exemplified different aspects of what makes the Hurricanes dangerous. They navigated through an injury crisis that saw Kochetkov, Jaccob Slavin, Shayne Gostisbehere, K’Andre Miller, Eric Robinson, and William Carrier all miss significant time. The team called upon Mike Reilly, Bradly Nadeau, and three rookie defensemen to fill gaps, yet still managed to post a 7-3-0 record and collect 14 points.

The State Fair road trip tested the Hurricanes’ resolve with six games across two weeks against Western Conference opponents. They emerged with a 4-2-0 record, sweeping through California before dropping two of three against Vegas, Colorado, and Dallas. The resilience shown during this stretch, particularly with the depleted roster, suggests this team possesses the mental toughness required for deep playoff runs.

Looking ahead: Building on October’s foundation

As the Hurricanes moved into November, they sat just four points behind the Metropolitan Division-leading Pittsburgh Penguins while holding two games in hand. The early success despite injuries positions Carolina favorably for when their roster returns to full health. The question becomes whether the players who earned their opportunities in October can maintain their roles and continue contributing as healthy bodies return.

The biggest concern heading into November remains the power play, which ranked dead last in the NHL at just under 10 percent efficiency. With only three goals in 31 attempts during October, the man-advantage needs significant improvement to maximize the team’s offensive potential. Having K’Andre Miller, Jarvis, and Andrei Svechnikov as the only power-play goal scorers highlights the need for more production from this unit.

Svechnikov’s October struggles provided a storyline that contrasts sharply with the success of the three stars. After leading the team in playoff goals the previous spring, he started scoreless through the first eight games and found himself demoted to the fourth line. His two points in the final two games of October suggest he may be finding his rhythm, which would add another dangerous weapon to Carolina’s arsenal.

The emergence of rookies like Alexander Nikishin, who scored his first NHL goal in Anaheim, and Bradly Nadeau, who found the net against the Islanders, demonstrates the pipeline of talent that keeps Carolina competitive. These young players gained invaluable experience during October’s injury crisis, and their development could pay dividends later in the season when depth becomes crucial.

Rod Brind’Amour’s eighth season as head coach has begun with the team showing the same identity that has defined his tenure: resilient, defensively responsible, and capable of weathering adversity. The collective effort that allowed Carolina to thrive despite losing key players speaks to the culture Brind’Amour has established. As the injured players return to action, the Hurricanes should only get stronger.

The three stars of October—Bussi, Aho, and Jarvis—set the tone for what the Hurricanes hope will be a season that ends with their first Stanley Cup Final appearance in nearly two decades. Their contributions came in different forms but all proved essential to navigating a difficult month. As November begins, the foundation they helped establish gives Carolina the platform to compete for division supremacy and championship glory. With 72 games remaining, there’s a long journey ahead, but the first month provided compelling evidence that this Hurricanes team possesses the talent, depth, and determination to achieve something special.