The Carolina Hurricanes have re-signed forward Sebstian Aho to a massive eight-year deal worth $78 million, an AAV of $9.75 million.
Aho’s deal does not kick in until the 2024/2025 NHL season. This move secures the franchise’s superstar and keeps him in Carolina possibly his entire career. The Hurricanes also signed defenseman Tony DeAngelo to a one-year, $1.675 million deal, bringing back the offensive minded defenseman back to where he played for the 2021/2022 season.
Carolina Hurricanes make big move, sign Aho long-term
Sebastian Aho has been the go-to player on the Hurricanes for offense since he arrived. He has been consistent since he put on the jersey, leading a Carolina franchise to become a constant threat in the Eastern Conference. After being drafted by the Canes 35th overall in the 2015 NHL draft, Aho has led the charge on the ice, on the bench, and in the dressing room, giving the room character and leadership. Aho ranks fifth in franchise history in both goals (218) and points (468). Last season, he played in 75 games, producing 36 goals and 31 assists for 67 points. His career totals for the Hurricanes are 218 goals and 250 assists for 468 points in 520 games. Aho won the accuracy shooting contest in the 2022 NHL All-Star skills competition.
He has been a force to be reckoned with, supplying offensive tools along with a strong defensive game. While Carolina plays a team game, Aho steps up offensively and shows why he is one of the most underrated players in the league. He leads by example and does his talking on the ice. His 36 goals this past season led the team and he has led in that category for six straight seasons. This is a good deal for both Carolina and Aho, getting good value on a top-notch player.
In the other move, Tony DeAngelo returns to a Canes defense that has been solid throughout the years after being waved by the Philadelphia Flyers. Last played for the Canes in 2021/2022, he appeared in 64 games, scoring 10 goals and assisting 41 others for 51 points.
His career totals are impressive for a defenseman, 340 games, producing 45 goals and 154 assists for 199 points. Drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning 14th overall in the 2014 NHL draft, he has also played for the New York Rangers and Arizona Coyotes. He is gifted offensively and is an outstanding option for the quarterback position on the first power play. DeAngelo brings a physical game to the blueline, which somehow gets even better with his signing.