Sebastian Aho celebrated his 26th birthday like few can.
The Finnish international agreed to an eight-year, $78 million contract extension with the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday, July 26th.
Aho, who was selected by Carolina 35th overall in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, has played all seven seasons with the ‘Canes, and is now under contract through 2032.
His $9.75 million average annual salary makes him the Hurricanes’ highest earner and the NHL’s 17th highest yearly earner.
“Sebastian has developed into one of the best two-way centers in hockey,” Carolina general manager Don Waddell said, per TSN. “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.”
The left-handed forward has been a model of production and consistency since entering the NHL in 2015, logging 468 points (218 goals, 250 assists) in 20 career games. In the playoffs, Aho has 58 points (23 goals, 35 assists) in 63 career games.
Last season, the Hurricanes eliminated the New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils before getting swept by the Florida Panthers in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Aho recorded 12 points in 15 postseason games.