The Carolina Hurricanes and the Dallas Stars are the last two unbeaten teams to begin the 2025-2026 NHL season. Both teams stormed out to 3-0 records to kick of

The Hurricanes claimed Brandon Bussi off NHL waivers from the Florida Panthers, and his NHL debut may be imminent.

In their first true road test of the 2025 season, the Carolina Hurricanes showed they’re built to travel. They dismantled the San Jose Sharks 5-1 Tuesday night at SAP Center, improving to 3–0 and sending a message that last season’s Eastern Conference Final run was no fluke.

But that was it for the Sharks, who were outshot 43-17 by the Hurricanes, three nights after they allowed 44 shots in their 7-6 overtime loss to the Ducks. The 27-year-old Bussi won his first career NHL start after three-plus years in the minor leagues.

Open slots are scarce but Bradly Nadeau is making a hard push for the Carolina Hurricanes' opening-night roster, along with Kevin Labanc and Givani Smith.

The Dallas Stars are red-hot to start the year, with three straight wins out of the gate, which is a big reason why they are -200 moneyline favorites in the NHL odds. Our Canucks vs. Stars predictions and NHL picks anticipate plenty of goals on the horizon from American Airlines Center on Thursday, October 16.

Get today's top DraftKings daily fantasy hockey lineup picks for October 16, 2025. Doug's expert NHL DFS goalies picks, value plays, stacks, and power play picks.

Nikishin is settling into the Carolina Hurricanes, improving his chemistry with his teammates — and his English.