Observations:

January 2017 – At the All-Star Break, Aho is currently ranked third among rookies in goal scoring with 12, and has developed quite a synergy with linemate and fellow countryman Teuvo Teravianen. He is due for a strong second half, as the winger didnt score his first NHL goal until the Hurricanes 14th game of the season. With a productive finish to the season, Aho could end the year close to 50 points, a number the Canes would be delighted with. Remember, he is only a year and a half removed from being drafted as a second rounder in 2015, and won't turn 20 until later this summer.  Kevin LeBlanc

October 2016 – Aho will start the season with the Carolina Hurricanes and looks to be an impact forward for the team this season. In practice and preseason games, he has been playing alongside fellow Finn Teuvo Teravainen and Elias Lindholm. Aho has the ability to play up and down the lineup, and should get plenty of opportunities both at even strength and on the power-play in favorable scoring roles. The Canes begin the season on a six-game road trip. Kevin LeBlanc

June 2016 – Aho finished up a terrific year with a silver medal finish in the World Championships in Russia.  It was the third piece of hardware he’s added to his trophy case this calendar year with a Gold at the WJC and a Bronze medal for a third place finish in SM-Liiga with Karpat.  Between his Liiga season, the World Juniors and the World Championships, Aho played in 76 games scoring 32 goals and adding 49 assists. He had one of the best prospect seasons in any league.Kevin LeBlanc

Due to Aho’s huge development this season, it is likely that he will be in the Hurricanes lineup on opening night. Comments by GM Ron Francis and Head Coach Bill Peters recently have confirmed that they are counting on the him being in the lineup as early as next season. Kevin LeBlanc

December 2015 – Aho was named to Finland’s World Junior Championship preliminary roster on Tuesday. He will likely factor in heavily for the host nation, that has aspirations of a gold medal finish in January.  Kevin LeBlanc

December 2015 – After a solid season with Kärpät in 2014-15 and a strong prospect conditioning camp in Raleigh over the summer, Aho has been able to build on his successes in 2015-16.  His 21 points in 23 games is good for top-10 in the league in scoring, all while playing fewer games than the players in front of him. He will likely be a main contributor to Finland’s entry in the 2016 WJC.  Kevin LeBlanc

June 2015 – The Finnish version of Aho has been plucked from the pool by the Canes' at 35th Overall – Jason Banks

June 2015 – Aho possesses pro-level skill despite being relatively undersized. He is a gritty forward that has played in the most advanced Finnish leagues and has seen time with the U20 team that represented Finland in the World Junior Championship. He won’t necessarily destroy you on the scoresheet, but he is a speedy possession forward that is smart with the puck in all zones and will find the twine if given space to maneuver. Zach Hopkins

Fantasy Outlook: B+

Skilled, top-six forward who will be a point producer at the NHL level.

Footage:

Aho scores game-winning goal in OT:

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