Jakob Slavin (74) of the Carolina Hurricanes removes the puck from Rasmus Andersson (4) of the Calgary Flames in front of Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen (31) during the third period of an NHL hockey game in Raleigh, North Carolina, Sunday, March 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Karl B. DeBraker)
Jacob Slavin, the Erie High School graduate who has become one of the National Hockey League's elite defenders over the past decade, is making a lot of money.
The 30-year-old signed an eight-year, $51.69 million contract last week with the Carolina Hurricanes, the only team he played for during his nine-year professional career. He is in the final season of a seven-year, $37.1 million contract.
“Jacob may be the best defenseman in the NHL and has already solidified himself as one of the best players to ever wear a Hurricanes uniform,” Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulski told reporters after the signing on July 1. “He's a valuable leader for our team both on and off the ice and keeping him in Carolina long-term was our top priority.”
During his high school years, Slavin played for several club teams in the state, including the Highland Hills Jaguars, Littleton Hawks and Colorado Thunderbirds. He was drafted in the fourth round by the Hurricanes in 2012, but played two years at Colorado College before moving to the NHL.
“We've definitely made a life here and built a family here,” Slavin said. “I'm very happy to be here and the length of this contract allows me to spend my whole career here. Obviously, I love this organization and this city, the coaching staff, the management, everything.”
Casey B. Gibson / University of Colorado Athletics
Erie native Jacob Slavin is leaving the University of Colorado after signing with the Carolina Hurricanes and spending two seasons there.
Slavin, a devout Christian and known around the league as a nice guy, is a two-time winner of the NHL's Lady Byng Trophy, which is awarded to the player the league deems to “best combine sportsmanship, gentlemanly conduct and ability.” He was named an All-Star in 2020.
He has helped the Hurricanes reach the postseason every season since 2018. The Hurricanes have reached the second round five of the past six seasons, most recently reaching the Eastern Conference finals in 2022-23.
Slavin played in 665 games, scoring 49 goals, recording 223 assists and only 86 penalty minutes.
