Hurricanes Announce MVPs as Playoff Showdown Approaches

RALEIGH, N.C. – The Carolina Hurricanes have recognized standout performances as they prepare for the NHL playoffs. Sebastian Aho was awarded the Josef Vasicek Award for excellent cooperation with local media, while Seth Jarvis was named the team’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the 2024-25 season.

Aho, 27, earned the award after posting an impressive 74 points (29 goals, 45 assists) in 79 games this season. This marks Aho’s first time winning the Vasicek Award, previously known as the Good Guy Award, which honors media-friendly players. The award was renamed in 2012 to memorialize Josef Vasicek, a former Hurricanes player who tragically died in a plane crash in Russia in 2011.

Jarvis, 23, solidified his standing as a key player by achieving his second consecutive 30-goal season with 32 goals and matching his career-high with 67 points. This is also his first time being recognized as the team’s MVP.

Additionally, Jordan Staal was nominated for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, awarded to the NHL player who exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey.

As the Hurricanes gear up for their first-round playoff matchup against the New Jersey Devils, they look to build on their previous success. This series marks the sixth postseason encounter between the two teams, with Carolina holding a 4-1 series record against New Jersey.

The Hurricanes will kick off the playoff series on Sunday at 3 p.m. at Lenovo Center, where they have an impressive 45-26 all-time playoff record. The team has home-ice advantage, having won 12 of their last 15 playoff series starting on home ice since 2002.

All first-round playoff games will be aired on FanDuel Sports Network, providing coverage that includes play-by-play announcer Mike Maniscalco, analyst Tripp Tracy, and reporter Hanna Yates. Fans can also look forward to the pre- and postgame show, hosted by Yates alongside analyst Shane Willis.

Carolina has finished second in the Metropolitan Division, marking their seventh consecutive playoff appearance — a record for the franchise since relocating to North Carolina.

With the excitement building, Carolina is ready to face the Devils in a highly anticipated series, urging fans to secure their tickets and embrace the exhilarating atmosphere of playoff hockey.