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The Carolina Hurricanes said Tuesday they will match the Montreal Canadiens’ five-year, $42.27 million offer sheet to center Sebastian Aho.
The 21-year-old restricted free agent signed the offer tendered by Montreal on Monday, giving Carolina seven days to make a decision. They needed only one.
“This was an easy decision,” said Hurricanes general manager Don Waddell in a statement. “Sebastian is one of the best players in the league and the centerpiece of what we’re building here. We’ve spoken to him throughout this process and he’s made it clear that he wants to be in Raleigh and be a part of this organization.
“It’s our job to manage our cap space as our players develop and hit free agency. There was no concern at any point that we would not be able to match this contract. Once again, the Carolina Hurricanes should not be underestimated. We have a plan and all the resources to win a Stanley Cup.”
The deal carries an average annual value of $8.454 million and runs through the 2023-24 season. It includes a reported $21.87 million in signing bonuses for Aho, a Finland native.
Aho tallied 83 points (30 goals, 53 assists) in 82 games last season, setting career highs across the board and becoming the sixth player in franchise history with 30 goals and 50 assists in a season.
The Canadiens would have sent first-, second- and third-round picks in the 2020 draft to the Hurricanes as compensation if they hadn’t matched the offer.
That was never going to happen, Carolina owner Tom Dundon told The News and Observer in Raleigh.
“We’re surprised. We love the player and we’re happy to have this done. And surprised someone would have thought this would work,” Dundon said. “We were never going to let him go. He didn’t want to go. This is just part of the business of getting the deal done. I said the day I bought the team and nothing has changed, he’s one of if not the most important part of our future and we’re lucky to have him.”
–Field Level Media (@FieldLevelMedia)