Despite a slow start in terms of goals scored for Aho, he’s still played well so far. He’s creating offense for his line mates at a higher level than he did during his rookie season. A sophomore slump might not be out of the realm of possibility.
Yet, the talent level with Aho is just too great for a slump to last any longer than part of a season. Few could have predicted Aho going 13 games without a goal to start the season. It did take him until November to really take off last season.
Aho finished his rookie campaign with 24 goals and 32 assists. This season, he has seven points, all by way of assists. Aho is on pace to improve his assist mark. Yet, improving the goal mark is going to have to take a real hot streak in the coming weeks.
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The fact that Aho is put ahead of Skinner in the line combinations is a bit confusing. Skinner should now just be entering his prime, but Aho is not near as proven. He does have the talent to become a 30-40 goal scorer with the Canes.