Jaccob Slavin

Jaccob Slavin was born on May 1, 1994, in Denver, Colorado. As a youth player, he participated in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with the Colorado Thunderbirds. He later played two seasons for Colorado College, where his collegiate career included a team-high 25 points (five goals, 20 assists) in 32 games during the 2013-14 season. His performance led to his selection as NCHC Rookie of the Year and inclusion in the NCHC All-Rookie Team and the NCHC All-Conference Second Team in 2014. In his sophomore year, 2014-15, he was named to the NCHC All-Conference First Team, accumulating a total of 42 points (10 goals) in 66 collegiate games. Slavin was drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in the fourth round, 120th overall, in the 2012 NHL Draft.

Slavin transitioned to professional hockey, making his NHL debut with the Carolina Hurricanes on November 18, 2015. He recorded 20 points (two goals, 18 assists) in 63 games in his rookie season, 2015-16. His tenure with the Hurricanes has been marked by consistent production and high standards of sportsmanship. He notably scored his first NHL hat-trick on March 13, 2017, against the New York Islanders. On July 12, 2017, he signed a seven-year, $37.1 million contract extension with the Hurricanes, which began in the 2018-19 season. That season, he played all 82 regular-season games and contributed 11 assists in 15 Stanley Cup Playoff games, helping Carolina reach the Eastern Conference Final. His highest-scoring season came in 2021-22, where he achieved 42 points (four goals, 38 assists) in 79 games.

A significant aspect of Slavin’s career is his recognition for sportsmanship. He is a two-time winner of the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, awarded to the NHL player who best combines sportsmanship, gentlemanly conduct, and ability. He received this award in 2021 and again in 2024. In the 2023-24 season, he was third on the Carolina Hurricanes in ice time per game (20:56) and led the team in short-handed time per game (2:38), often facing top opposition lines. On July 1, 2024, Slavin extended his commitment to the Hurricanes by signing an eight-year, $51.69 million contract. He was also named to the United States roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off during the 2024-25 season. Slavin has been consistently cited among the top defensive defensemen of his era.