The Carolina Hurricanes added back star defenseman Jaccob Slavin to their lineup after a 29-game absence, helping them secure first place in the Metropolitan Division.
Slavin’s Return
The Hurricanes welcomed back defenseman Jaccob Slavin in Sunday’s 3-2 shootout victory over the Philadelphia Flyers after a 29-game absence due to a “lower-body injury.” Slavin started the game, played 14:31, and blocked three shots. The 11-year-old defenseman had appeared in the first two games of the season but had not played since Oct. 11.
Slavin said, “It’s good to be back out there playing,” and added, “Sometimes being injured is almost harder than the grind of the season.” He noted that he and the team’s medical staff had Sunday’s date circled as a potential return. “It’s a long season, so we just wanted to make sure I was good to go and I wasn’t going to have any flareups,” Slavin said while declining to add any details about the injury. “We had a good plan in place.”
Impact on the Team
Slavin has been a cornerstone of the Hurricanes’ defense during the current streak of seven straight playoff appearances under coach Rod Brind’Amour. His presence helped the team maintain first place in the Metropolitan Division for most of the season.
Olympic Aspirations
Slavin was a standout performer for Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off last year and is expected to play a key role for the Americans in the Winter Olympics in February. The team has not shared much publicly about his injury, but there was an expectation that he would try to return and be ready for the Olympics. “In my mind, if my first game back wasn’t going to be before the Olympics, I wouldn’t have gone,” Slavin said. “My priority is this team and the group that we have here. We have a special group this year. The Olympics would be awesome, if it happens, but we will have to see.”
Roster Moves
To make room on the NHL roster, the Hurricanes sent Joel Nystrom down to their AHL affiliate in Chicago. Nystrom had five assists in 24 games with the Hurricanes as one of the replacements for Slavin. On Friday, the Hurricanes signed Nystrom to a four-year contract extension.
Key Takeaways
- Slavin returns after 29-game injury, helping Hurricanes stay atop Metropolitan Division.
- He shared Olympic hopes while prioritizing the team’s current success.
- The Hurricanes moved Joel Nystrom to the AHL and secured him with a four-year extension.
The Hurricanes’ comeback of a key defenseman underscores the team’s resilience and focus as they continue their pursuit of playoff success.
Morgan J. Carter is a Texas-based journalist covering breaking news, local government, public safety, and community developments across Austin. With more than six years of reporting experience, Morgan focuses on delivering accurate, clear, and timely stories that reflect the fast-moving pulse of the city.
At newsofaustin.com, Morgan reports on everything from severe weather alerts and traffic updates to city council decisions, crime reports, and the issues shaping daily life in Austin. Known for reliable fact-checking and a strong commitment to public-interest journalism, Morgan brings readers the information they need to stay informed and engaged.
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