In the world of the NHL, when you ask fans to name superstar players, names like Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Auston Matthews, and Leon Draisaitl often come up. While these names are widely recognized, one player who is often overlooked by the national media—unless you’re in the Carolinas—is Sebastian Aho. Despite the common perception that the Carolina Hurricanes lack a true superstar, diehard fans and local media know that Aho is a highly underrated player who can change the course of a game when it matters most.
Aho Recognized as a Top NHL Center and Team Finland Selection
Recently, Aho was ranked 12th on the NHL Network’s “Top 20 Centers Right Now” list and was also selected for Team Finland for the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off. These accolades highlight Aho’s exceptional skills and underscore his importance to the Hurricanes, particularly as a center.
Aho Deserves a Top 10 Ranking
On August 21, the NHL Network revealed its Top 20 Centers list, placing Aho 12th. According to the network, an elite center is defined by attributes like winning crucial face-offs, leading offensive rushes, and setting up teammates. Surprisingly, Aho was ranked below Jack Hughes of the New Jersey Devils, who was placed 9th. A deeper analysis shows that Aho, who won 54.1% of his face-offs and recorded 53 assists last season, is a more well-rounded player than Hughes, who only won 37.2% of his face-offs and had 47 assists.
Comparing Aho to Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks, who placed 10th, further supports Aho’s case. Although Pettersson had 55 assists and won 50.8% of his face-offs, he played in all 82 games but still scored fewer goals than Aho (34 to Aho’s 36). Both players finished with 89 points and had nearly identical average ice times, yet Aho’s plus-minus of +34 was significantly higher than Pettersson’s +20 and Hughes’ -12. Aho’s all-around game, combined with his clutch performances, such as scoring 11 power-play goals and 10 game-winning goals last season, makes him deserving of a Top 10 spot among NHL centers.
Aho Selected for Team Finland in 4 Nations Face-Off
On August 21, Aho was officially named to Team Finland for the 4 Nations Face-Off, set to take place in February 2025. Aho expressed his excitement about the tournament, noting the intensity of the competition and the significance of the rivalry game against Sweden on February 15, which will be a must-watch event for hockey fans in both Europe and North America.
A Big Season Ahead for Aho
Looking ahead to the 2024-25 season, Aho aims to build on his momentum from last year. With the goal of reaching 40 goals and 90-plus points for the first time in his career, Aho is poised to lead the Hurricanes during a critical transition period. If he continues on this trajectory, it will be hard for anyone to deny his status as a superstar and a top-10 center in the NHL. As Aho strives to guide Carolina to its second Stanley Cup in franchise history, fans should keep a close eye on this exceptional Finnish forward
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