Sebastian Aho: Top __ Center?

See where NHL Network ranked Carolina's alternate captain ahead of the new season

By Walt Ruff

@WaltRuff Hurricanes.com

August 31, 2024

RALEIGH, NC. - We've reached the point of the offseason where countdowns to opening night are in full swing and discussion-generating content is at its peak.

NHL Network has been combing through the league by position group, establishing its rankings going into the 2024-25 season. Carolina Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho was named among the league's Top 20 Centers, coming in at #12.

Moving up from the #16 spot that he was listed at before the 2023-24 season, Carolina's #20 received a better standing after recording his third consecutive season of 35+ goals.

An All-Star for the third time in his career, last year was a campaign of milestones and records for the man they call "Fish".

Putting up a career-best 89 points, he also moved into third among the organization's all-time leading scorers (557), trailing only Eric Staal (775) and Ron Francis (1,175).

Presenting the Top 20 Centers Right Now! Thoughts? 🧐#NHLTopPlayers | @NHL pic.twitter.com/r8GS5JFgp6
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) August 21, 2024

As far as comparisons to his peers on the Top 20 list go, there's a case to be made for Aho to be higher as well.

Rod Brind'Amour's ace down the middle ranked seventh out of 20 in goals with his 35 and tied for eighth with his 89 points. Playing in all situations, he had the eighth-most power play goals (11) and registered the fourth-most time on ice while shorthanded (138:09).

In the dot, he ranked seventh of the 20, winning 54.1% of his 1,055 faceoffs.

Aho will begin his quest to climb further up NHL Network's rankings on October 11 when the Canes open their regular season against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Raleigh.