Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin has been ranked the eighth-best defenseman in the NHL by NHL Network, according to a recent release from the team. The ranking comes as media outlets begin their coverage ahead of the new season, with training camps set to start in about a month.
Slavin, 31, improved his position by five spots compared to last year’s ranking on NHL Network’s Top 20 defensemen list. This rise follows a season where he gained increased national attention for his performance at the league’s first 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.
During the previous season, Slavin led all league defenders with 61 takeaways and has topped all skaters in this category since entering the NHL in 2015-16, accumulating a total of 699 takeaways. He also led Carolina with an average ice time of 21:34 over 80 games played.
Slavin is a two-time Lady Byng Trophy winner and was again recognized as a finalist this summer, finishing fourth. The award honors players who demonstrate sportsmanship and high playing ability.
On July 1, 2024, Slavin signed an extension that will keep him under contract through the end of the 2031-32 season at an annual salary of $6.3 million.
“Jaccob might be the best defender in the NHL, and he has already cemented himself as one of the best players to ever put on a Hurricanes uniform,” said Canes General Manager Eric Tulsky last summer. “He is a crucial leader for our team, both on and off the ice, and keeping him in Carolina long term was a top priority.”
Originally drafted by Carolina in the fourth round in 2012, Slavin ranks twentieth among all NHL players with 1,241 blocked shots over ten seasons. His eleventh season will begin when Carolina faces New Jersey at Lenovo Center on October 9.
NHL Network’s Top 20 Defensemen Right Now list features players who have combined for numerous All-Star appearances and major awards throughout their careers.
