This news has been mostly slow in the past few weeks in the hockey world. But as we get closer to the 2025-26 season, the promotional schedule is being released and now an invitation to the Olympic training camp has been sent. As part of that, the U.S. Olympic invitation list has been released, especially with a name that stands out, especially for Hurricanes in Carolina. There is no doubt that defensive Jaccob Slavin will be on the 44-player invitation list. What does this mean for Slavin and why it is important to be part of the plan for Team USA in Italy next February?
Let’s go to the hockey camp
American Hockey revealed its 44-player men’s Olympic training camp invitation list Tuesday afternoon (August 19). Of the 44 players, 16 are defensive players, from Massachusetts to Colorado to Montana. Slavin Erie of Colorado, one of the names that came immediately for Hurricane fans. It would only make sense for the 29-year-old to be part of the new camp roster after the United States vs. the United States’ four countries confrontation. He is part of his national Olympic roster along with Hurricane players Seth Jarvis, Frederik Andersen, Nikolaj Ehlers and Sebastian Aho.
Related: Jacques Slaven is already the best defender of the Hurricanes ever
During the four-country confrontation, Slavin scored no points. However, his team in the four games in the United States is 3. Along with partner Brock Faber, this is the biggest shutdown pair for Team USA during the four countries. It was the point where Slavin received his overdue flowers from the hockey world. Hurricane fans know how magical he is every night. He is considered one of the best defensive defenders in the NHL after only eight minutes of free throws in 95 games between the regular season and the playoffs. Everyone else spent four countries catching up.
Under the system of head coach Rod Brind’amour, Slavin is the first defensive player and always performs the most critical tasks on the best players of other teams. Even in free throw kills, he was on PK1, hitting kill coach Tim Gleason, who relied on him to use his elite defensive IQ as a brick wall. His IQ is on another level, where he lets his game speak for him. Every night, he uses his stick to break down the passes at the right time, and even intercepts them through the ice. Additionally, he knows when to strike at the right time and to clean it in the process. His best ability is his ice availability on hurricanes. This translated to Team USA during the four countries, where he was relied on the best players in Canada, Sweden and Finland.
Related: NHL world unnecessarily questioning hurricane defense
This is what Slavin will conclude in the Olympic roster. There is no reason not to own him, especially after his performances in four countries, he closed the best games and the best games in the game.
