Hurricanes, Sebastian Aho Agree To Eight-Year Extension

Carolina and star forward Sebastian Aho have agreed to terms on an eight-year, $78 million contract extension that runs through the 2031-2032 season, the team announced on Wednesday.

The deal, which kicks in beginning in the 2024-2025 campaign, will pay Aho an average-annual value of $9.75 million.

“Sebastian has developed into one of the best two-way centers in hockey,” said Hurricanes GM Don Waddell in a press release. “He’s a tremendous leader on and off the ice who sets a great example for our younger players. We’re grateful that he’s decided to stay in Carolina for the foreseeable future.”

EIGHT!! MORE!! YEARS!! pic.twitter.com/maYITokDnu

— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) July 26, 2023

In 75 games this past season, Aho netted 36 goals and tallied 31 assists for 67 points, leading the Hurricanes in scoring for the sixth consecutive campaign. The 26-year old shined in the postseason for Carolina, tying Jordan Martinook for the team-lead with 12 points in 15 contests.

You will find Aho’s name imprinted in the Hurricanes record book, as the Rauma, Finland native ranks first in career playoff goals, assists, and points. He currently sits fifth in team history in points and goals.

Aho was drafted No. 35 overall by Carolina in the 2015 NHL Draft and has played in 520 regular season games, amassing 218 goals and 250 assists.

As was reported last week by NHL.com’s Tom Gulitti, extending Aho was in the works and now secures their star center for years to come.

Don Waddell and company may continue to add key pieces this offseason, whether it be through free agency or the trade market, but the extension of Aho is certainly the biggest and most important move for Carolina.