The Steve Chiasson Award is given annually to the Hurricanes player that best exemplifies determination and dedication while proving to be an inspiration to his teammates through his performance and approach to the game. The winner of the award is selected by his teammates. The Josef Vasicek Award is awarded by the Carolina chapter of the PHWA for outstanding cooperation with the local media. The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy is awarded annually by the PHWA to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to ice hockey. A player from each NHL team is nominated by the local chapter of the PHWA. This season marks the second time Staal has won the Chiasson Award (2014-15) and the Vasicek Award (2013-14).
Staal, 29, has registered 45 points (18g, 27a) in 78 games with the Hurricanes this season. The 6'4", 220-pound center played in his 800th NHL game on Dec. 27 against Montreal and scored his 200th NHL goal on Jan. 12 against Washington. In addition, Staal recorded a career-high four assists on Nov. 13 against Dallas. Staal was acquired by the Hurricanes on June 22, 2012, and has registered 233 points (85g, 148a) in 411 career games with the Hurricanes. The Thunder Bay, Ont., native has earned 481 points (205g, 276a) in 842 career NHL games with Pittsburgh and Carolina.
The Carolina chapter of the PHWA also selected Hurricanes forward Sebastian Aho as the team's most valuable player for the 2017-18 season. Aho, 20, has registered 65 points (29g, 36a) in 77 games this season and leads the Hurricanes with career-highs in points, goals and power-play goals (8). The Rauma, Finland, native also leads the team in game-winning goals (4) and ranks second in assists. In March, Aho earned a point in a career-high nine consecutive games (3/8-3/26: 4g, 8a) and tallied an assist in a career-long seven consecutive games (3/12-3/24: 2g, 8a). The 5'11", 172-pound forward has earned the second-most points (114) by a Carolina player in his first two NHL seasons (Eric Staal: 131). Aho was selected by the Hurricanes in the second round, 35th overall, in the 2015 NHL Draft.
