Overview
- Slavin was a game-time decision and was activated off injured reserve just before puck drop in Philadelphia.
- He returns on a pairing with rookie Alexander Nikishin, restoring a shutdown presence to Carolina’s blue line.
- To open a roster spot, the Hurricanes reassigned defenseman Joel Nystrom to AHL Chicago days after his four-year extension.
- Coaches expect Slavin to resume a top defensive workload, including duties on the primary penalty-kill unit.
- Carolina went 18-9-2 without Slavin and held first place in the Metropolitan Division and the Eastern Conference.