Jaccob Slavin of the Carolina Hurricanes is introduced prior to the game against the New Jersey Devils at Lenovo Center on Oct. 9, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Slavin is playing for the U.S. in the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Jared C. Tilton
Getty Images
Milan, Italy
Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin has been an NHL All-Star. He’s a two-time winner of the Lady Byng Trophy — given every season to the NHL player voted to have the best combination of sportsmanship, gentlemanly conduct and ability.
This year, Slavin is adding Team USA Olympian to his resume. He’s preparing to suit up in the red, white, and blue on Thursday when the United States takes on Latvia in the Group C prelims.
The Carolina Hurricanes will be well-represented on the ice in Milan — five players will suit up to represent their home nations. Sebastian Aho (Finland), Nikolaj Ehlers and Frederik Andersen (Denmark), and late addition Seth Jarvis (Canada) join Slavin as Hurricanes Olympians.
Making it to Milan has been a long journey for Slavin.
He grew up in Colorado as one of five siblings and was selected in the fourth round (No. 120) of the 2012 NHL Draft by the Hurricanes. But before starting his time as a pro, he played two years for Colorado College. He’s the ninth former Colorado College Tiger to compete in the Olympics. He debuted for the Hurricanes on Nov. 18, 2015, finishing his rookie season with 20 points (two goals, 18 assists) in 63 games.
Outside of playing, Slavin is a husband, father to two, and strong Christian. He’s very outspoken on social media about his faith and how it has impacted how he has raised his family.
“Our faith is the most important thing to us in our life,” Slavin said. “It’s just the lens I see everything through. So whether that’s playing the game of hockey or being a husband or father, it’s all for the glory of God.”
Jack Hughes of the New Jersey Devils avoids a check from Jaccob Slavin of the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period of the game at Lenovo Center on October 09, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Jared C. Tilton Getty Images
Slavin hasn’t played as much this season, due to injuries. However, his ice time has steadily increased, and he seems ready for Milan. He remains the Hurricanes’ franchise record holder among defensemen in points, assists and shorthanded points (18).
In the 2024-25 season, he made the United States roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off. While nothing is quite like the Olympic Games, that experience prepared him for what international competition looks like.
“I go back to last year with the Four Nations and just how awesome the hockey was playing against Canada, Sweden, and Finland,” Slavin said. “Those games were just intense. It was unbelievable hockey.”
Now a childhood dream of Slavin’s is becoming a reality. He’ll have his parents and wife supporting him in Milan, as he aims to help Team USA capture a gold medal. It won’t be an easy feat for the Americans, as they have managed to win gold only twice (1960 and 1980), with Canada dominating with nine golds.
“I think for the most part it was just excitement,” he said after learning he had made the Olympic roster. “Maybe a little bit of nerves for my wife having to fly overseas for the first time. My parents were there [when I found out], and it was something that they were excited for because obviously they’ve been there for my whole journey. They were probably more excited for me than I was for myself.”
The Hurricanes athletes will be competitors rather than teammates for the Olympics and some will face off against one another when Denmark takes on Team USA on Saturday. Before they arrived in Italy, Slavin talked about how all of the Hurricane Olympians would share logistics info with one another.
Jaccob Slavin of the Carolina Hurricanes is introduced prior to the game against the New Jersey Devils at Lenovo Center on Oct. 9, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Jared C. Tilton Getty Images
But Slavin isn’t focused on playing against friendly faces. He’s just keeping his focus simple.
“I think when it comes to playing against each other, once the puck drops, it’s just going to be a hockey game.
If he does get some downtime, he’s hoping to see figure skating with his daughter and go to Lake Como. But his big goal remains the same.
“We’re there to win Gold.”
Anna Laible is a student with UNC Media Hub, a program with the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media, reporting from the Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.