Brandon Bussi’s name now sits alongside the Stanley Cup, a testament to a three‑game surge that carried the Carolina Hurricanes past the Vegas Golden Knights. The performance has resonated beyond the Hurricanes locker room, reaching two young net‑minders who are currently on the Boston Bruins’ development roster.
Kyle Chauvette and Max Lundgren, both undrafted and 24, have turned to Bussi’s story as a roadmap after their college careers concluded. Chauvette, who posted a career‑best .902 save percentage and a 2.63 goals‑against average with the Wildcats, signed with the San Jose Sharks and will travel with the Bruins as their full‑time goaltender for the 2026‑27 season.
Lundgren, who backstopped Merrimack to its first Hockey East tournament championship and logged 1,134 saves in his final season, has inked a contract with the Bruins and is slated to battle for a spot in Providence.
Both players cite Bussi’s perseverance as a blueprint, hoping to replicate his ascent from the Bruins system to the NHL’s biggest stage.
A Model for the Undrafted
The narrative underscores how a single breakthrough can reshape expectations for players who entered college without a draft pick. For Chauvette, the chance to serve as the Bruins’ traveling net‑minder represents a tangible step toward earning a roster spot, while Lundgren eyes a potential debut at TD Garden.
Their shared goal is not only personal advancement but also a nod to the broader lesson that persistence can bridge the gap between collegiate success and hockey’s ultimate prize.