Hurricanes Match Offer Sheet for Sebastian Aho

It's officially official.
The Carolina Hurricanes have matched the Montreal Canadiens' offer sheet to Sebastian Aho, re-signing the 21-year-old forward to a five-year, $42.27 million contract.
The deal, which carries an average annual value of $8.454 million, keeps the Canes' All Star in Raleigh through the 2023-24 season.

"I'm just relieved that it's done and Sebastian's not going to have to worry about this anymore. He's a great player and a big asset for us," majority owner Tom Dundon said on Tuesday. "I'm so happy for Sebastian and so happy that he's part of the organization."
Less than 24 hours after Aho was tendered the offer sheet, the Hurricanes announced their intent to match within the weeklong timeframe allotted by the Collective Bargaining Agreement, as if there was any question.
"We said all along that we would match any contract offer," President and General Manager Don Waddell said on Tuesday. "It should come as no surprise from anybody that we are [matching] it."
Aho set career highs in his third season with the Hurricanes, leading the team in points (83) and goals (30) in the regular-season and adding a team-best 12 points (5g, 7a) in 15 playoffs games.
"Sebastian never wanted to leave Raleigh," Waddell said.
Aho released a statement on Twitter shortly after Sunday's official announcement.

"I am grateful for the offer from the Montreal Canadiens, but it was always my hope to return to the Hurricanes," Aho said. "We have a young and exciting group in Carolina and I can't wait to be there with my teammates and get to work. I love it in Raleigh and I am thrilled that we can continue what we started last season."
The Hurricanes host the Canadiens on Opening Night on Thursday, Oct. 3.