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Carolina Hurricanes: 5 takeaways from loss to Blue Jackets

By Andrew Miller

RALEIGH, NC - OCTOBER 10: Derek Ryan #7 of the Carolina Hurricanes and Alexander Wennberg #10 of the Columbus Blue Jackets struggle for possession of the puck during an NHL game on October 10, 2017 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC - OCTOBER 10: Derek Ryan #7 of the Carolina Hurricanes and Alexander Wennberg #10 of the Columbus Blue Jackets struggle for possession of the puck during an NHL game on October 10, 2017 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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RALEIGH, NC – OCTOBER 10: Jaccob Slavin #74 of the Carolina Hurricanes and Oliver Bjorkstrand #28 of the Columbus Blue Jackets chase down a bouncing puck during an NHL game on October 10, 2017 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC – OCTOBER 10: Jaccob Slavin #74 of the Carolina Hurricanes and Oliver Bjorkstrand #28 of the Columbus Blue Jackets chase down a bouncing puck during an NHL game on October 10, 2017 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images) /

2. Jaccob Slavin leads the Carolina breakout better than any other

Carolina’s blue line could be the strongest aspect of this team. Possibly the best player with that defensive group is Jaccob Slavin. Haydn Fleury and Justin Faulk have also gotten off to a strong start this season.

Yet, Slavin played a big role in the Canes transition, seemingly getting through the neutral zone with his vision on the ice. Slavin also started the breakout on the play where Victor Rask scored in the final five minutes against the Wild.

If the defense can give some added support in the offensive zone, it will only help the Canes cause with keeping up with some very good teams in the Metropolitan Division this season. Faulk and Slavin have both showed offensive prowess over the course of their careers.

The best two way player and just one of the best overall players the Canes have is Slavin. It’s a good thing they gave him a contract extension during the offseason to show the commitment to him. He could command a high price tag soon.

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