Sebastian Aho

Sebastian Antero Aho (born 26 July 1997) is a Finnish professional ice hockey player who is a forward and alternate captain for the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League (NHL). Selected by Carolina in the second round, 35th overall, of the 2015 NHL entry draft, Aho made his NHL debut during the 2016–17 NHL season after playing in Finland's Liiga for Oulun Kärpät and Ässät. Internationally, Aho has won medals with Finland at the World Junior Championships, World Championships and Winter Olympics, including bronze at the 2026 Winter Olympics. He won the Stanley Cup with the Hurricanes in 2026.

Playing career Liiga Aho made his Liiga debut playing with Oulun Kärpät during the 2013–14 season. In the playoffs of the 2014–15 season, Aho scored the game-winning goal in overtime of Game seven of the finals and won the Finnish championship for Kärpät.

Carolina Hurricanes Aho was rated amongst the top 20 European forward skaters eligible for the 2015 NHL entry draft. In the draft, he was selected in the second round, 35th overall, by the Carolina Hurricanes.

On 13 June 2016, Aho signed a three-year, entry-level contract with Carolina. On 13 October 2016, he made his NHL debut—and recorded his first point, an assist—in the opening game of the 2016–17 season. On 12 November 2016, he scored his first goal, which was followed by a second goal in a 5–1 win over the Washington Capitals. On 31 January 2017, Aho scored his first career hat-trick in a game against the Philadelphia Flyers. Consequently, he became the youngest player in Hurricanes/Whalers franchise history to score a hat-trick.

After the Hurricanes failed to make the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs, Aho represented Finland at the 2018 IIHF World Championship.

During the 2018–19 season, Aho passed Ron Francis' franchise record for longest season-opening point streak by recording a point in the Hurricanes' first 12 games. The streak also included a 12-game season-opening assist streak, tying Wayne Gretzky and Ken Linseman for the longest such streak in NHL history. On 2 January, Aho was selected to participate in the 2019 NHL All-Star Game after leading the team in goals, assists and points through 38 games. On 13 January 2019, Aho recorded his second career hat-trick in a 6–3 win over the Nashville Predators. Aho led the Hurricanes in scoring (five goals, seven assists) during their first trip to the playoffs in 10 years in the 2018–19 season.

On 1 July 2019, Aho signed an offer sheet with the Montreal Canadiens, becoming the first player to sign an offer sheet since Ryan O'Reilly in 2013. The five-year offer sheet was worth $42.27 million and included a bonus-heavy structure, with more than $21 million owed during the first calendar year. On 7 July, the Hurricanes matched the offer sheet, re-signing Aho to a five-year, $42.27 million contract.

During the 2023–24 season, Aho recorded an NHL career-high 89 points, with 36 goals and 53 assists, in 78 games. He led the Hurricanes in goals, assists and points, and was selected to the 2024 NHL All-Star Game.

International play

Aho represented Finland at the 2026 Winter Olympics, where he was named one of Finland's alternate captains. Finland defeated Slovakia 6–1 in the bronze-medal game, and Aho finished the tournament with four goals.

Personal life Aho was born in the Satakunnan keskussairaala in Pori, but his legal birthplace is Rauma.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

International

Awards and honours Award Year RefNHL NHL All-Star Game 2019, 2022, 2024 Stanley Cup champion 2026 International World Championships best forward 2018