The Carolina Hurricanes are keeping star forward Sebastian Aho.
The NHL team announced Tuesday that the club intends to match the five-year, $42.27 million offer sheet tendered by the Montreal Canadiens on Monday and will do so "within the timeframe allowed by the League's Collective Bargaining Agreement."
"This was an easy decision," general manager Don Waddell said in a press release. "Sebastian is one of the best players in the league and the centerpiece of what we're building here. We've spoken to him throughout this process and he's made it clear that he wants to be in Raleigh and be a part of this organization.
The Hurricanes had up to seven days to officially match, though their announcement Tuesday came shortly after owner Tom Dundon announced the team's intentions.
Aho became the first NHL player since 2013 to sign an offer sheet.
The contract offered by the Canadiens will see Aho earn more than $21 million in signing bonuses by next July.
Aho, 21, scored 30 goals and recorded 83 points in 82 games this past season.