The Carolina Hurricanes have extended star centre Sebastian Aho for eight years at $9.75 AAV. The Hurricanes made quick work to sign their top centre before letting it get to free agency and risk losing or having to trade him.
EIGHT!! MORE!! YEARS!! pic.twitter.com/maYITokDnu
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) July 26, 2023
Sebastian Aho Staying in Carolina
With so much uncertainty facing the future of Carolina’s core, securing Sebastian Aho was a must-do item. And, unlike the previous somewhat drama-filled negotiations with Aho involving duelling offer sheets, Carolina moved quickly to complete it. Aho is one of Carolina’s top forwards, if not the top. He has broken numerous organizational records and continues to play with both skill and passion. Selected in the second round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Aho is part of a large group of Finnish Hurricanes players and serves as an alternate captain.
In 75 games this past regular season, he led Carolina with 36 goals, three shorthanded goals, four shorthanded points, and nine game-winning goals. He was second in points with 67 and shooting percentage at 16.5%. In the faceoff circle, he was at 51.35%. Aho was one off of his career-best for goals scored but took a decent dip in points this season from 81 last season. In the playoffs, he tied for the team lead in points with 12 and was second in goals with five. He also was second on the team in expected goals, takeaways and shots on goal. Over his career, he has 218 goals and 250 assists in 520 games played. This includes 52 power-play goals and 16 shorthanded.
What Aho’s Extension Means to the Hurricanes
Sebastian Aho has made a strong case for being a franchise cornerstone for the Carolina Hurricanes. Not only has he broken franchise records and consistently leads the team in scoring, he plays with his heart on his sleeve. His competitiveness is through the roof, and he brings that passion on and off the ice as a leader for the team. His hockey IQ, deceptive speed and high competitiveness make him a very effective player as does his versatility to play in all situations.
The Hurricanes extending a player like Sebastian Aho provides the team with a versatile, top-line centre that is not the easiest to acquire across the league. For almost any successful team in the NHL, depth down the middle is essential. Aho is not only the team’s top centre but also a top player in the league. In conjunction with the re-signing of Jordan Staal, this provides Carolina with strength down the middle. With still some room to grow, expect to see Sebastian Aho continue to be a leader on the Hurricanes.
Main Photo: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
