Carolina Hurricanes forward Sebastian Aho is just getting better and better every year.
The Finnish center set a new career high in points this season with 89 and had his third straight season with 30+ goals (fifth time in nine seasons).
He continued that success into the postseason where he had four goals and 12 points in 11 playoff games, nine of which came just in the six-game series against the Rangers.
The Canes held their second round of exit interviews on Sunday following the conclusion of their 2023-24 season which ended after losing in six games to the New York Rangers in the second round of the playoffs.
Here's what Aho had to say:
On the way the season ended: Still very disappointed with how it ended. Definitely was, in my opinion, the best chance we've had here. I really thought we had the team. Adding those guys at the trade deadline and already with the pieces we've got here before that. It was very exciting times to feel that we really had a chance and we really thought till the end that this is the team that could go over that hump and go all the way. It's really disappointing how it ended. This one hurts, for sure. At the same time, I don't know exactly what's going to happen in the future. Who's coming back and all that, but I hope the team won't change too much.
On the most important thing he's learned this year as a leader: You learn a lot about yourself in the playoffs. Every year, it's also just getting life experience, getting a little older and getting new perspectives, but I feel like as a hockey player, you learn a lot about yourself, your team and your teammates in the postseason. I don't know what exactly are the things, but I do think getting these experiences, going through them, they're going to help me as a player and help me as a leader and hopefully I can be better.
On if he felt there was less pressure on his shoulder this season with so many guys having good offensive seasons: To be honest, I put a lot of pressure on myself. Obviously I play big minutes and get to play with top guys and on the power play and killing penalties and all that, so I expect a lot from myself. Obviously when you're not able to reach your goal, you try to look into the mirror and learn other ways to be better, but yeah, it was unreal to have those guys playing at that level too. It definitely helped my game as well. Saying these things, it just sucks even more because you know we had those guys who played unreal hockey and we couldn't finish the job.
On having a career season and what he still wants to improve at: There were a lot of positives in this year too. You go and you try to, maybe from your mistakes, learn, but you also want to gain some confidence from the good stuff you did. We definitely had a lot of good in this year. The way I look at it, I've said it many times before, but just try to get better everyday. That's the mindset and I do think I haven't reached my top level. I do think I can still take steps. It might not necessarily be more goals or assists but kind of every aspect in the game. Just trying to get better and hopefully next year I can be better and we can be better as a team.
On Rod Brind'Amour being extended: Obviously happy for him, happy for the team. I didn't really pay attention to it. I saw it a couple of weeks ago that it was in the news kind of, but I never had a doubt in my mind that he wouldn't come back. Not surprised I would say.
On what it'll take for the team to get over the hump: Great question. I think if we would have a clear answer, we would have already gotten over the hump, but I think obviously you have to give yourself a chance. You have to play a good regular season to get to the playoffs and I've said it before, but I truly think that we've gone through a lot with this group and I think all these experiences are going to help us to get through sooner or later here. I do think this team can do it. Just have to believe it and work hard towards it and hopefully next season is ours.
On his health heading into the offseason: Yeah, I'm healthy.
On Seth Jarvis: He has a lot of heart. Obviously he works his tail off every single day and brings a lot of good energy to the locker room. He's an unbelievable player so just happy to have him here and hopefully we'll hear good news on his contract sooner or later. Great guy, great teammate and obviously an unbelievable player as well.
On a favorite Jarvis memory: Not really. Not a favorite, but always fun times to be around him.
On what contract negotiations with this team are like: Well I can't really talk about everyone else. I only know to my experience and I was obviously fortunate enough to get it done early and fairly easy. I don't know how exactly it's going to shake out, but like I said, I do hope we can keep the pieces here. I know it's hockey and it's part of the business and that there's going to be some changes probably, but hopefully not too many.