Cardiac Cane
Fansided

Carolina Hurricanes: 5 players who need to step up in Aho’s absence

By Andrew Miller

RALEIGH, NC - DECEMBER 29: Jeff Skinner #53 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates for position on the ice during an NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on December 29, 2017 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC - DECEMBER 29: Jeff Skinner #53 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates for position on the ice during an NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on December 29, 2017 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 6
Next
RALEIGH, NC – DECEMBER 29: Jeff Skinner #53 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates for position on the ice during an NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on December 29, 2017 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC – DECEMBER 29: Jeff Skinner #53 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates for position on the ice during an NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on December 29, 2017 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images) /

The Carolina Hurricanes are missing a top talent in Sebastian Aho after his injury on Jan. 14. Who can step up in his absence?

With a Jan. 20 road battle looming against the Detroit Red Wings, out of the Atlantic Division, head coach Bill Peters and the Carolina Hurricanes need to figure out a way to deal with the injury to possibly the best player on the roster. Sophomore left wing Sebastian Aho suffered a lower-body injury and concussion on a hit from Calgary Flames captain and defenseman Mark Giordano.

It’s time for the Canes to turn their attention beyond the Aho hit and figure out a plan of attack. Defeating the Red Wings this weekend is necessary to keeping in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race. Carolina already sits in last place in the Metropolitan Division.

As the team leader in points, Aho is a tough loss to undergo. With 37 points and 16 goals, Aho actually leads the team in both categories. This injury also breaks up the top forward line. Jordan Staal and Teuvo Teravainen will find themselves with a new line mate.

The five day break the Canes have between the 4-1 defeat against the Flames and the matchup with the Wings is much needed. Detroit is a manageable opponent, even without Aho. Then, the Canes have a much tougher contest on their hands.

On Jan. 21, the Vegas Golden Knights travel to Raleigh to face the Canes. While Carolina did defeat Vegas in the first contest, the Golden Knights are sure to come with their best performance. Marc-Andre Fleury is leading a team in first place in the Western Conference right now.

Here’s 5 players who need to step up in the absence of Sebastian Aho.

Home/Analysis