Last Wednesday, the Hurricanes and Sebastian Aho reached an agreement on a new contract extension that should keep him in Carolina into his mid-30’s.

With the Hurricanes captain entering the final year of his current deal that averages out to an $8.46 million for 2023-24, GM Don Waddell got it done. Simply put, the 26-year-old Aho is the Canes’ best player.

A former 2015 second round pick, the center has scored 30 or more goals in four of his first seven seasons. Over that span, he’s totaled 218 goals, 250 assists, and 468 points in 520 games. That includes a plus-80 rating, which highlights his capability defensively. In four years, he’s received votes for the Selke Trophy.

Aho signed an eight-year extension worth $78 million. The new contract includes a no-movememt clause. It’s an AAV of $9.75 million. For comparison, the Rangers gave Mika Zibanejad $8.5 million through 2030. In Year One, he produced new career bests in points (91) and power play goals (20). He had a plus-25 rating and received votes for the Selke Trophy.

If one were to evaluate Aho and Zibanejad fairly for comparisons’ sake, you can make the argument that Zibanejad is the better player. He’s more explosive. Especially in the goal department. Both Aho and Zibanejad are reliable defensively. Each kill penalties and are shorthanded threats. Aho has the edge in shorthanded goals with 16 compared to Zibanejad’s 11.

As far as value, Aho is a bit better overall. However, he plays in a strict defensive system under coach Rod Brind’Amour. That affects his numbers. Twice, he’s hit 80 points or more. Zibanejad has gone over 80 points the past two years. It would’ve been three had there been no pause during 2019-20. He was on a tear, scoring a career high 41 goals with 34 assists for 75 points in only 57 games.

If there is a difference, Aho is four years younger than Zibanejad. He just turned 26. Zibanejad is 30. Both should continue to produce consistently over the next few years. However, Aho has a chance to do it for a longer period due to his age. He’s far and away the Hurricanes’ best player. Zibanejad is the Rangers’ best forward. It’ll be interesting to see how both players do under their contracts. Aho has one more year remaining before his new deal kicks in.

The Canes had to get it done. Aho is their franchise star and captain. He has a chance to go down as the best player in Canes’ history. He should only get better as he enters his prime.