While the Carolina Hurricanes list of players to re-sign this summer was long, they decided to take care of one upcoming free agent next year at the top of their core. This is Jaccob Slavin as they moved quickly to extend him with an eight-year contract carrying a $6.43 million AAV.
#Canes Jaccob Slavin is expected to sign an 8-year extension in the $51 million range once eligible at 12 noon ET.
Always dangerous to be precise with AAV, but was told 8 years x $6.43 million.@DailyFaceoff
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) July 1, 2024
Carolina Hurricanes Extend Jaccob Slavin
Carolina has had several “steals” in the NHL Entry Draft over the years. Sebastian Aho in the second round, Brett Pesce in the third round and even to some degree getting Seth Jarvis at 13th overall were all pretty solid pickups. But arguably one of the biggest home run draft picks in Carolina Hurricanes history is landing Jaccob Slavin in the fourth round. A product of Colorado College (not usually known as one of the premier NCAA hockey programs), Slavin quickly rose from rookie to elite defenceman for Carolina.
Slavin is seen predominantly as a defensive defenceman, which is understandable. But he is really more of a two-way defenceman if you watch his game. On the defensive side, Slavin is incredibly effective at utilizing his positioning, gap control and stick work to break up plays and cause turnovers. When it comes to matching up against many of the league’s top stars, Slavin is the guy Carolina calls. His defensive game is so strong it allows him to pair with gifted offensive defencemen who may otherwise struggle a little defensively like Tony DeAngelo, Dougie Hamilton and to a lesser degree Brent Burns.
But what many often overlook is his transition game and ability to move the puck up the ice. He will stop a play, take the puck and then quickly pick his head up to make a breakout pass, a stretch pass, or even skate the puck out of harm’s way. Sometimes he can even turn on the motor and get to the net for a nifty backhand. His career high in points is 42 and this past season he had 37 which isn’t blowing anyone away. But you combine that with his strong defensive ability and transition game and you can see why he is one of Carolina’s cornerstone pieces.
What This Means Moving Forward
Every team has their true core players they will not give up for anything. The Hurricanes decision to extend Jaccob Slavin is a huge move for the organization as he is one of theirs. You could argue he is one of the top shutdown defencemen in the league.
To prevent any sort of risk of him walking, Carolina was wise to waste no time to lock him up. Not only is his on-ice ability huge, but he wears an “A” for good reason. You cannot overlook his involvement in the community and leadership for the team as well. This year’s Lady Byng winner, Slavin is one to play the game with a lot of effectiveness and control. His whole career has been in Carolina and now for both sides, it looks like it will continue that way.
Main Photo Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
