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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) /
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BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 6: Derek Ryan #7 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates against the Boston Bruins at the TD Garden on January 6, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Steve Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 6: Derek Ryan #7 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates against the Boston Bruins at the TD Garden on January 6, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Steve Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images) /

player. 109. . Center. 23 Points. Derek Ryan. 5

The value that Derek Ryan brought to the Canes this season comes with his ability to find the net in tough spaces. Ryan provided the team a boost in a fashions that’s gone under the radar. He easily fits in the top 10 in points on the team.

However, for being a consistent center on the top three lines, Ryan could also step it up a bit with the role he’s currently in. Through the 45 games played this season, 23 points is around what any team would expect out of a second or third line center.

With all the line juggling coming from Peters, Ryan does not just sit in a single role. But, most of the time he does center the third forward line. He’ll likely center Justin Williams and possibly Lee Stempniak, who recently returned after being activated off injured reserve.

Keeping up his current level of production would be good for Ryan. Adding to his nine goal total would also help out a ton. His improvement is also notable as well since Ryan could easily set a career mark this season in both goals and points.

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