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Carolina Hurricanes: 5 players who need to step up in November

By Andrew Miller

RALEIGH, NC - OCTOBER 29: Jordan Staal #11 of the Carolina Hurricanes scores a goal and celebrates with teammates during an NHL game against the Anaheim Ducks on October 29, 2017 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC - OCTOBER 29: Jordan Staal #11 of the Carolina Hurricanes scores a goal and celebrates with teammates during an NHL game against the Anaheim Ducks on October 29, 2017 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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RALEIGH, NC – OCTOBER 27: Brett Pesce #22 of the Carolina Hurricanes controls a puck on the ice during an NHL game against the St. Louis Blues on October 27, 2017 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC – OCTOBER 27: Brett Pesce #22 of the Carolina Hurricanes controls a puck on the ice during an NHL game against the St. Louis Blues on October 27, 2017 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images) /

player. 109. Scouting Report. Brett Pesce. Carolina Hurricanes. 5. Pick Analysis. Defense

The top line pairing on defense of Brett Pesce and Jaccob Slavin was the do-everything combination for Peters last season. Yet, while Slavin has gotten off to a good start, Pesce has not been as reliable.

Pesce will not travel with the team to Denver as he is going through concussion protocol after the Ducks game. It could be until the Canes return home to PNC Arena on Nov. 7 to face the Florida Panthers that Pesce will return to the lineup.

A shut down blue line was certainly a possibility for the Canes entering the season. All the young talent on this roster gives hope that can still happen. The 22-year-old Pesce finished October with an even plus/minus and only one assist.

If Slavin is to actually contend for the Norris Trophy this season, he will need his defensive partner to be very solid. Pesce is not as gifted offensively as Slavin, but he still has the ability to rack up 15-20 points this season.

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