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A Better Jalen Chatfield Will Only Improve Hurricanes Defense

By Chris Baker

Mar 30, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield (5) takes a shot in the first period against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 30, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield (5) takes a shot in the first period against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jalen Chatfield keeps getting better. In his first full NHL season, he rightfully earned a spot on Carolina’s fourth defensive line along with the now traded Calvin de Haan with steady play. Starting his fourth NHL season, his second full time and also the second with the Hurricanes, it would not surprise anyone if that consistency continues.

Better
Feb 18, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield (5) leaves the ice after the warmups against the Washington Capitals during the 2023 Stadium Series ice hockey game at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /

Even with the acquisition of defensemen Tony DeAngelo, and Dmitry Orlov, Chatfield’s service last season with 14 points (6 G, 8 A) and an average time on ice of 14:07 is nothing to overlook when it comes time to tack the starting line-up to the bulletin board. Most important was the +23 he finished with over 1,102 minutes of ice time. For comparison, Tony DeAngelo (perhaps Chatfield’s only competition for a spot) managed 1,544 minutes and ended the year -27 with Philadelphia last season. Goals (TDA-10, JC-6) at the expense of giveaways (TDA- 57, JC-21) is not worth it.For a fourth line defensemen, the consistent mistake free hockey is what you want.

In that regard, Jalen Chatfield is better than equipped. Not only did he end the season +23, he had months of 0 or better nights beside de Haan. And while it was clear to see last season that Carolina was dedicated to spreading their offensive production, where Chatfield does lack compared to other options, he is better for the Hurricanes for his overall play making ability.

That Chatfield will better his point total this year goes without saying. His 14 points from last year will likely end up in the 20 neighborhood, especially paired with a Brady Skjei or Dmitry Orlov. Assists will likely make up the bulk of those points, but I see his goal scoring total to be as high or better.

Many Carolina fans are going to hype up other options for the fourth line. Others might say options might be on the team for the Hurricanes offensively. but I am going to stick with the most consistent players, with the most room to grow, and one that had added to the group all along. That is Jalen Chatfield. Chatfield will grow, and get better this season, as he has every year in the NHL, and when given the chance is just as likely to rack up 20 points for the season as anyone else vying for the spot.

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