Last nights game at PNC Arena marked game 517 of Jaccob Slavin’s career. A total that moves him into fifth place for games played by a defenseman in franchise history.
Glen Wesley – 913 The only defenseman to have his number retired. Wesley was traded to the Hartford Whalers in 1994 from Boston for three first-round picks. Serving as an alternate captain for the overwhelming majority of his tenure Wesley would collect most of the franchise’s defensive records.
Adam Burt – 626 Drafted 39th overall in 1987 Burt was a staple of Hartford’s blue line for over a decade. Like Wesley, he would move south with the franchise in 1997. Unlike others on this list, Burt was never a star. He retired as an Atlanta Thrasher in 2002.
Justin Faulk – 559 A former co-captain Faulk leads defenders for points with the franchise at 258. His offensive style wasn’t a suitable match for a Hurricanes squad that hadn’t reached the postseason in a decade. He has the poorest +/- of any Canes player with -100.
Tim Gleason – 546 I remember Gleason most of all for his spectacular play in the first round in 2009 against The Devils. As an alternative captain he used his body to make opposing players pay physically for their chances. He returned to Carolina as an assistant coach at the start of last season.
Jaccob Slavin – 517 If he continues on his current pace of 78 games per season he’ll add 224 games to his total before his current contract expires in 2025. Placing him firmly in second place on this list. If Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon is to be believed Slavin will eventually take the title of most games played.
He’s still writing his story with the Hurricanes. But, the 2021 Lady Byng winner already has the best +/- in the history of the franchise at 110. Only Robert Kron has fewer penalties in 500 games played for the team.
No one comes to mind that I trust more in the defensive zone than Jaccob Slavin. He’s also the front-runner to replace Jordan Staal as captain whenever Staal decides to hang them up.
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