Brian Pothier is an American professional hockey player, currently playing for the Carolina Hurricanes. Prior to playing in the NHL, Pothier attended and played for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York. He then signed as a free agent with the Atlanta Thrashers on March 27, 2000. He made his NHL debut with the Thrashers that same year, spending the majority of his time in the International Hockey League with the Orlando Solar Bears. During his season in Orlando, Pothier was selected for the Gary F. Longman Memorial Trophy, as the IHL Rookie of the Year. He played 33 additional games with the Thrashers, then was traded to the Ottawa Senators on June 29, 2002. Pothier continued with the Senators through the 2005-06 season, then entered free agency. He then signed with the Washington Capitals on July 1, 2006. Pothier was moved at the 2010 NHL Trade deadline to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for Joe Corvo.