There is no replacing a defenseman the caliber of Jaccob Slavin. It's not even a matter of trying. Of course, the Carolina Hurricanes have no choice but to navigate their early-season road trip without him for the time being after a lower-body injury on Saturday night, putting the defensive group in a tough spot.
The team struggled out of the gate against the Sharks to start the trip before settling in and winning, 5-1, over San Jose. They held the Sharks without a shot for the final 20 minutes and just 17 total in the contest. Everyone came together to make it possible, keeping the Canes perfect on the young campaign. The penalty kill didn't suffer either, going a perfect 5-for-5 in the win.
With Slavin out of the lineup, an opportunity is born for every defenseman in the locker room, but there are a few who will get a chance to shine the brightest. Here are the defensemen I think are in a position to show the world what they are made of while Slavin recovers from his lower-body injury.
4. Charles Alexis Legault
It is uncertain whether he'll see action during this trip, but Charles Alexis Legault being the player the team called up for the journey is a positive sign in his development. He was among the final cuts the team made before Opening Night, momentarily making us believe that he'd made the roster before his inevitable reassignment to Chicago last Monday.
Still, even if Legault doesn't get to play in a game during this trip, it could be an indication of how high the organization is on him. It's for good reason, too, after an outstanding showing at the rookie showcase before training camp and solid work during his preseason appearances. I would love to see him make his debut over the next two weeks, but just being around the team will be good for him.
3. Alexander Nikishin
For a rookie, any opportunity is a good one, especially when you have Calder Trophy aspirations like many fans do for Alexander Nikishin. The Russian defenseman has looked every bit the part through three games this season, recording an assist in each one, including a beautiful move that set up the team's game-winner in San Jose on Tuesday.
There are obvious areas for Nikishin's game to grow, from defensive responsibility to the language barrier hampering his ability at times. Still, the language of hockey can be situationally universal. He's a brooding force who skates well, hits hard, and creates magic when the puck is on his stick. Nikishin faces stiff competition to be Rookie of the Year, but he is starting on the right foot.
2. Mike Reilly
Obviously, the player that gets into the lineup when an injury occurs will get a boost from playing more. Mike Reilly impressed in his Hurricanes debut on Tuesday, tying for the team-high with five shots and recording the only assist on Eric Robinson's goal late in the second period with a beautiful stretch pass.
Reilly also saw a fair amount of action on the penalty kill, playing almost four minutes throughout the team's five kills. It's not like he's a random player they plucked off the street. Reilly is a veteran with plenty of NHL experience, both during the regular season and the postseason. He was a valuable addition this offseason, even if he was initially intended for the 7D spot.
1. K'Andre Miller
While I originally thought that Slavin would pair with K'Andre Miller before the season, Miller had found a good home with Jalen Chatfield before the injury. Now, he has been propelled to the top pair with Sean Walker, earning top-pair minutes in the process. It's a great chance for the fans to see why he was so highly regarded by the front office this offseason.
Miller hasn't disappointed during his short time with the Canes, from scoring twice in his debut to making numerous defensive plays with his range and excellent stick. He played over 25 minutes against the Flyers and over 22 against the Sharks, with the latter about where I expect him to be while Slavin is out. He just needs to stay out of the box, taking a penalty in all three games.