Carolina Hurricanes: 3 reasons Aho injury kills playoff hopes

Problem with the hit

Aho is listed as out indefinitely with a concussion and lower-body injury. Since he’s not on injured reserve, it’s a possible sign that he’ll return sometime in the next couple weeks. No players yet have gotten the call from the Charlotte Checkers to fill in for Aho’s absence in the lineup.

This is not the first occasion this season that a player received a match penalty from the refs for a dirty hit. Giordano’s elbow likely warranted a suspension, like Patrick Maroon of the Edmonton Oilers (two games) and Zac Rinaldo (six games) were handed from the league.

Any way you look at it, the Canes are now missing out on one of the top young players in the NHL. Aho was on pace to surpass his strong rookie stat line, with 24 goals and 49 points last season. He’s also a player that’s too exciting and talented to catch hits like this ever. The league needs to keep a closer eye on this, for all players, not just Aho.

The injury to Aho also comes at a time when the Canes looked to be getting at their healthiest point all season and stay in playoff contention. Carolina is in the thick of a tight race in the wildcard positions and the Metropolitan Division standings. Peters will be challenged to respond to this huge setback and rally the rest of his troops before the break for the NHL All-Star Game.

Here’s 3 reasons the Sebastian Aho injury kills any playoff hopes for the Carolina Hurricanes.