The Carolina Hurricanes announced on Wednesday that they've signed centerman Sebastian Aho to an eight-year extension worth $78 million ($9.5 million AAV).
"Sebastian has developed into one of the best two-way centers in hockey," said Hurricanes GM Don Waddell. "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."
Aho, who turned 26 on Wednesday, has spent his entire seven-year NHL career with the Carolina Hurricanes, recording 468 points (218 goals, 250 assists), 214 penalty minutes and is a plus-20. He's also put up 58 points in 63 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
Aho's extension, which kicks in for the 2024-25 season, will now set the market for players like Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson and Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander, both of whom are entering the final year of their respective deals next season.