It’s time for another edition of NHL rumours. The Carolina Hurricanes reached the last four of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, the team has some work to do if they want to stay at that level. The team has some key pieces that they need to re-sign in the coming seasons. Goalie Frederik Andersen said he would love to come back. However, we look at a possible unrestricted free agent for next season and a Sebastian Aho extension in this edition of NHL rumours.
All NHL Rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Sebastian Aho Extension Update
Rumour: The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun took a look at the progress of extension talks between Aho and the Hurricanes. Aho will become a free agent at the end of next season and will look for a raise from his almost $8.5 million per season rate. Carolina general manager Don Waddell went to work quickly on re-signing Aho by reaching out to agent Gerry Johannson.
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— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) May 31, 2023
Aho and the Hurricanes can sign an extension on July 1 much like the Toronto Maple Leafs are trying to do with Auston Matthews. The Finnish forward signed an offer sheet from the Montreal Canadiens when Aho was a restricted free agent. However, there doesn’t seem to be any bad feelings between the two sides.
The Brayden Point deal that Johannson helped broker with the Tampa Bay Lightning may be the template. Point signed an eight-year, $76 million extension two years ago. Carolina would love to keep that $9.5 million cap hit down, but Aho may want similar to that.
Can a Sebastian Aho Extension Happen?
LeBrun feels that Aho wants to stay with Carolina. The uncertainty around the salary cap number could cloud the talks, but it looks like Aho will stay with the Canes. He’ll turn 26 in July and Carolina wants to lock down one of their main assets.
The Hurricanes have a good thing going, but need to make some tough choices. Getting Aho under a new contract needs to be a top priority for Waddell this off-season. There’s no reason to drag out the talks.
Main photo by: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
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