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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 12: Jeff Skinner #53 of the Carolina Hurricanes stretches on the ice prior to an NHL game against the Washington Capitals on January 12, 2018 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC – JANUARY 12: Jeff Skinner #53 of the Carolina Hurricanes stretches on the ice prior to an NHL game against the Washington Capitals on January 12, 2018 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Jeff Skinner. 2. player. 109. . Left Wing. 29 Points

There might not be a more talented goal scorer on the Canes roster than Skinner. Eclipsing the 40-goal mark might be out of reach for him, at this point, but that does not takeaway from him putting together another strong stat line.

It would be great to see Skinner creep up to start taking command of the team lead in points, something he’s gotten used to in recent years. But, Peters has kept Skinner on the third line for a good portion of the season, which definitely affected Skinner’s level of production.

If Peters does put Skinner on the first line, aside Staal and Teravainen, not much would be lost in terms of offensive efficiency and overall talent on the first line. This actually seems like the obvious move for Peters and his staff.

Skinner currently sits at third on the team in points and second in goals, with 14. His production could pick up since he was the only player to score in the embarrassing loss to the Flames. More of the same would be great against the Wings.

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