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Carolina Hurricanes: 5 most important players for Playoff run in 2017-18

By Andrew Miller

EDMONTON, AB - OCTOBER 17: Teuvo Teravainen #86 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates against the Edmonton Oilers on October 17, 2017 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images)
EDMONTON, AB - OCTOBER 17: Teuvo Teravainen #86 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates against the Edmonton Oilers on October 17, 2017 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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RALEIGH, NC – OCTOBER 7: Jaccob Slavin #74 of the Carolina Hurricanes lifts the puck over a sprawling Alex Stalock #32 of the Minnesota Wild during the shootout of an NHL game on October 7, 2017 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC – OCTOBER 7: Jaccob Slavin #74 of the Carolina Hurricanes lifts the puck over a sprawling Alex Stalock #32 of the Minnesota Wild during the shootout of an NHL game on October 7, 2017 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images) /

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Jaccob Slavin Defense

Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina Hurricanes /

Scouting Report

As one of the most underrated defenders in the NHL, Jaccob Slavin provides an anchor for the Canes that very few teams have the luxury of getting on the blue line. Slavin and Brett Pesce are a lock down top defensive pairing for the Canes.

Showing some offensive spark is an added aspect to Slavin’s game over the second half of the 2016-17 season and the beginning of the 2017-18 season as well. That ability on offense gives Slavin a legitimate chance to contend for the Norris Trophy this season.

A successful season for the Canes is likely to start with all the talent from the six defenders. Slavin is just the best of the group. Pesce, Justin Faulk, Haydn Fleury, Trevor van Riemsdyk, and Noah Hanifin all give Carolina added versatility as well.

Slavin was second among all Carolina defenseman in points last season with 34. At 23-years-old, Slavin should only get better from here. An All-Star appearance and increased spotlight could be just over the horizon for this talented defenseman.

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