Waddell: Aho, Hurricanes 'getting close' on extension

The Carolina Hurricanes appear to be on the verge of locking up their superstar center Sebastian Aho.

"We're working on it, getting close," Hurricanes general manager Don Waddell said Thursday, according to NHL.com's Tom Gulitti. "Not there yet, but we are talking on a regular basis, almost daily, so I'm hoping that we can get this to the finish line here in the next week or so."

Aho is one of several notable players who have been eligible for extensions since July 1, including Auston Matthews, Steven Stamkos, Devon Toews, and Connor Hellebuyck. The Fin is entering the final season of a five-year, $42.3-million contract.

Aho has been an offensive catalyst for the Canes, leading the team in goals for six consecutive years. He also led the club in points for five straight years until Martin Necas surpassed him this season. Aho produced 36 goals and 67 points in 75 games in 2022-23. He's also added 23 goals and 58 points in 63 career playoff contests.

"Those players are hard to replace," Waddell said. "Let's just face it, they are."

Aho, who turns 26 on Wednesday, is already Carolina's highest-paid player, but he's due for a sizeable raise from his $8.46-million cap hit.

Evolving-Hockey projects Aho's next contract will be an eight-year deal worth $10.46 million annually. That would be the league's 11th-highest cap hit in 2024-25, although Matthews is sure to surpass that total. Aho's proven to be worthy - he's one of the game's best all-around players.

But while getting Aho locked up is the priority, Waddell is still looking for ways to improve his team for the upcoming campaign. That includes regular contact with Vladimir Tarasenko - arguably the top remaining unrestricted free agent. However, the salary cap presents an obstacle.

"Continue to talk to the player and his agent," Waddell said. "The cap is the issue for a lot of us. The cap went up $1 million (to $83.5 million). That's why there's been so little movement around the league this summer and there's still some pretty good players that are sitting out there because there's not enough money in the system right now to go around everybody."

The Hurricanes are also reportedly one of the two primary trade suitors for reigning Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson.

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