If you're unfamiliar with The Players' Tribune, for over a decade it has given professional athletes a platform to tell their stories and connect with the fans on a personal level. On Thursday morning, Carolina Hurricanes star Sebastian Aho released a letter entitled "To Canes Fans". It's a longer read, but I'd would highly recommend Hurricanes fans to give it a look because it's incredible.
The crux of Aho's words surround the team's recent playoff runs and their inability to get over the hump in the big dance. He starts by declaring that each playoff loss stings, and he still thinks about them all these years later. He specifically cited the loss in the Eastern Conference Finals in 2019 to the Bruins as a particularly poignant defeat after the high of beating Washington in the first round.
""Everybody is a loser until they’re a winner. And I know we’re winners. I know it.""Sebastian Aho
When talking about his head coach, Aho had nothing but the highest praise for Rod Brind'Amour, as both a player and a coach. He noted Brind'Amour's legend status in Raleigh after leading the team to the Stanley Cup in 2006, a final he remembers staying up to watch at eight years old. Aho also had kind words for captain Jordan Staal, calling him the team's "engine."
If you take anything away from Aho's words, outside of how much the Hurricanes want to win for the fans, it's that he's a Hurricane for the long run. He wants to win for this team, this city, and this fan base. He says the fans were a big reason for him committing to the Hurricanes long-term when negotiating his contract during the summer of 2023.
""I think I’m a Hurricane for a reason. I know what that reason is.""Sebastian Aho
There are few players on the current roster more qualified to talk about this team than Sebastian Aho. He's seen this franchise at its worst and its best since being drafted in the second round in 2015. He understands what it takes to be a Hurricane, seeing as he's been doing it at a high level since entering the league all those years ago.
In nine seasons as a Hurricane, Aho is already in the Top 10 in most offensive categories. He's 7th in games played, though he'll likely pass Cam Ward for sixth before the end of March, and he's 2nd to Eric Staal in goals, assists, and points. Aho has also surpassed Staal's major postseason numbers with the help of six consecutive playoff appearances.
After reading this letter, there's no doubt in my mind that Sebastian Aho is ready for the captaincy whenever Jordan Staal is ready to pass it along. I'd always felt it would be between him and Jaccob Slavin to be the next player with the "C" on their jersey. Either player is more than deserving of having it, but I think Aho is the heir apparent.
Again, I strongly encourage everyone to find the time and read these words from one of the Hurricanes' leaders. I know people are tired of hearing excuses every season about this team's shortcomings and not being able to win it all. This letter proves that the players hear us and are ready to go all-in to provide us another Stanley Cup memory.