After a brief stint with Carolina's then-American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Albany River Rats, at the end of his 2007–08 WHL season, Sutter debuted in the NHL with the Hurricanes in 2008–09.
He scored his first NHL goal on October 23, 2008, against Marc-André Fleury of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The next game, on October 25, Sutter suffered a concussion after a collision with Doug Weight of the New York Islanders.
Sutter had his head down as he was leaning forward for a loose puck in the neutral zone when Weight caught him with his shoulder.
Although the hit was ruled as legal and Weight was not assessed any penalty, it re-sparked the debate in the NHL on head shots.
Sutter returned to the line-up after missing eight games.

On July 12, 2011, Sutter signed a three-year, $6.2 million contract extension with Carolina.
After a brief stint with Carolina's then-American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Albany River Rats, at the end of his 2007–08 WHL season, Sutter debuted in the NHL with the Hurricanes in 2008–09. He scored his first NHL goal on October 23, 2008, against Marc-André Fleury of the Pittsburgh Penguins. The next game, on October 25, Sutter suffered a concussion after a collision with Doug Weight of the New York Islanders. Sutter had his head down as he was leaning forward for a loose puck in the neutral zone when Weight caught him with his shoulder. Although the hit was ruled as legal and Weight was not assessed any penalty, it re-sparked the debate in the NHL on head shots. Sutter returned to the line-up after missing eight games.
On July 12, 2011, Sutter signed a three-year, $6.2 million contract extension with Carolina.
Brandon Sutter