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Chatfield Ready To Take Steps

By Glenn Brewer

Jan 19, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield (5) scores a goal against the Minnesota Wild during the third period at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield (5) scores a goal against the Minnesota Wild during the third period at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /
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Hello October! As the calendar switches to October, it is only natural to think of the Carolina Hurricanes and the start of the regular season. This month begins a highly anticipated season in Raleigh.

All that is between the Canes and the start of the season is two more preseason games, both against the Nashville Predators. Before training camp breaks and the Canes get down to business, we will all have a chance to see the boys in a final tune-up.

It is now the season of roster cuts and securing the NHL rosters for all the front offices across the league. Many players have fought hard to earn spots in the NHL and this brought me to remembering our very own, Jalen Chatfield.

Naturally, as a season starts, the focus can be on the new faces on the squad. The brand new “toys” are always the most anticipated to see at the rink come training camp. But it is the faces that we know, like Chatfield, that are the core of this group.

It goes without saying that last season was the breakout year for Chatfield but the sky is the limit for the young defenseman and this could be an even bigger season for number 5.

Before the prior season, Chatfield had not played more than 18 games in an NHL season. With the Canes, the Michigan native played in 78 contests. Posting 14 points and an impressive plus-23 rating, the right-handed defenseman was just scratching the surface.

The 27-year-old has many facets to his game and that is what will be the most interesting thing to watch as the puck drops on the 2023-24 campaign. Towards the end of the regular season, Chatfield started to become more comfortable offensively and really took to Rod Brind’Amour’s system.

Skating with poise and confidence, the former Windsor Spitfires player showed the ability to contribute offensively while not giving up much in the defensive zone. 28 takeaways and 63 blocked shots went a long way in keeping the puck out of his net.

In addition to his strong play on both sides of the puck, the 6’1, 188-pound defenseman brought some strong physicality with 73 hits. He was able to adjust to the speed of the NHL and refused to back down to any rough play.

Because of these skills, Chatfield will have an easier time adjusting to his role this season as the Hurricanes post one of the strongest and deepest defensive units in the league.

I expect to see more special teams use this season and with that, I would expect the point total to rise but it would be against his style to give up too much of the defensive game. The comfort the coaching staff has in him will help him grow his game into an elite defender for many years to come.

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