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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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RALEIGH, NC – JANUARY 2: Victor Rask #49 of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrates his second period goal against the Washington Capitals during an NHL game on January 2, 2018 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC – JANUARY 2: Victor Rask #49 of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrates his second period goal against the Washington Capitals during an NHL game on January 2, 2018 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Victor Rask. 3. player. 109. . Center/Right Wing. 15 Points

While Lindholm is a strong playmaker, and usually has a good number of assists by season’s end, Rask tends to be the opposite. With 15 points and 11 goals, Rask could really be the x-factor for the Canes with Aho out of the lineup.

Rask is a natural goal scorer that could be in store for his second career 20-goal campaign. However, he has not eclipsed (and might not this season either) his 21 goal mark that he posted in the 2015-16 season.

Numerous Canes fans have waited for the Rask breakout, since he could truly be a star scorer in this league. But, he’s found himself stay steady around 40-50 points. No opportunity has been better for Rask to make his mark than it is now.

Rask has not seen playoff hockey since entering the league during the 2014-15 campaign. A strong contribution from him would go a long way to helping Carolina’s playoff push. He’s one of the many young talents that the Canes need to rely upon now.

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