Ben Case: Will Slavin Be on Top D Pair Next Season? The big question this year will be if the Slavin/Pesce line is separated. Personally, I think it makes sense to have Slavin and Faulk on the first line. The two of them would bring a very strong blueline that would create problems offensively too. Looking at the Hero Charts, Slavin’s numbers put him as a solid #2 D and Faulk clearly slots as the #1.

i think you should rename this thread will faulk join slavin on the top pairing this year. cause slavin /pesce have been the top pairing

i think you should rename this thread will faulk join slavin on the top pairing this year. cause slavin /pesce have been the top pairing
- moegillknee

One can easily debate which line was the top one but I think the usage makes it clear they had vastly different roles. If we are talking purely defensively and not looking at the use, then yes, one could easily argue the best D pair was Slavin/Pesce.

Faulk and Hainsey was the top line though based off of usage and role. They logged more shifts and even strength TOI than Slavin and Pesce. Slavin-Pesce was the top unit for shutdown D and typically was used with Staal and/or the second/third line.

This is even more representative when you dive into PP v PK usage. Faulk and Hainsey were mostly paired with Skinner. So while your point is valid, one must take into consideration role and who the D unit is partnered with offensively.

Pesce is totally useless after this analysis...you guys totally need to trade Pesce now...to the Leafs

Agreed! Carolina is getting a little bit greedy with that dcore it'll be nice if darling put up the wins and gives the young dman a bit more confidence and security; back their.Theirs no assshats on this team to hate! maybe trade foe lucic or kassian, Marchand? ..and no!..you can't have kadri! We need at least one,maybe two? Assshats hope you guys have an amazing season!

Best collection of young dmen in the league. Flyers 2nd

Best collection of young dmen in the league. Flyers 2nd
- Just5

heee

1-Anaheim
2-Carolina

Have to wonder if they find themselves in the hunt who would get unloaded for the number 1 C they need, I think this team could battle for the playoffs right to the end of the season.

Best collection of young dmen in the league. Flyers 2nd
- Just5

Bostons coming for ya

Dahlbeck is the weak link in the d-core. I would love to see Fleury or another d prospect on the 3rd pairing with TVR on a nightly basis. Dahlbeck is best suited as a 7th dman filling in on 3rd pairing when injuries occur.

Slavin Pesce has to be the best kept secret in the league though. Why break them up if they're so good together? I'd keep them in the shutdown role and try to get favorable matchups for Hanafin Faulk

Slavin Pesce has to be the best kept secret in the league though. Why break them up if they're so good together? I'd keep them in the shutdown role and try to get favorable matchups for Hanafin Faulk
- Shaundre93

I tend to agree with you on this. Hanafin & Faulk worked well together when paired together at the end of the season. Faulk's offensive numbers jumped and Hanafin played with more snarl to his game when given the promotion.

Dahlbeck is the weak link in the d-core. I would love to see Fleury or another d prospect on the 3rd pairing with TVR on a nightly basis. Dahlbeck is best suited as a 7th dman filling in on 3rd pairing when injuries occur.
- Barbecued Hockey

I agree that it would be great to see one of the young D step up and take the LD spot on third pair. I have heard a lot of people think that Fleury is ready. I don't think Bean benefits too much from another year of Major Juniors, but I am not sure he makes it because of the amount of competition for LD on third pair.

Dahlbeck is a good D to have for depth too. His size could go well with TVR and make for a decent third pairing in the event no one steps up. It'd be interesting to see if a consistent role and teammate make him more consistent though.

I agree that it would be great to see one of the young D step up and take the LD spot on third pair. I have heard a lot of people think that Fleury is ready. I don't think Bean benefits too much from another year of Major Juniors, but I am not sure he makes it because of the amount of competition for LD on third pair.

Dahlbeck is a good D to have for depth too. His size could go well with TVR and make for a decent third pairing in the event no one steps up. It'd be interesting to see if a consistent role and teammate make him more consistent though.
- BenCase

Haydn Fleury is ready. He was the best defenseman in Charlotte the second half of the season and it wasn't even close.

Stumbled a bit out the gate, but got better and better and better as the year went on. Exactly what you want from a guy like that.

Slavin Pesce has to be the best kept secret in the league though. Why break them up if they're so good together? I'd keep them in the shutdown role and try to get favorable matchups for Hanafin Faulk
- Shaundre93

My thinking on potentially splitting them up is that Pesce might make Hanifin better than when he is with Faulk. I don't think Pesce or Slavin will have an issue competing at the same level as last year regardless of if together or split between Hanifin and Faulk.

It's not to say that Hanifin-Faulk would be a bad combo, but that Pesce might allow for Hanifin to play more naturally towards his skill set, as opposed to having to put his offense skill set second to Faulks.

By no means is it a bad thing if Slavin-Pesce stay together and are used in a D capacity again though. You are spot on that you can work it favorably for matchups for Hanifin-Faulk.

Haydn Fleury is ready. He was the best defenseman in Charlotte the second half of the season and it wasn't even close.

Stumbled a bit out the gate, but got better and better and better as the year went on. Exactly what you want from a guy like that.
- BINGO!

I didn't get to see too much from Charlotte, so it is good to hear that he was noticeably better than the other D. I was hoping that he was going to get a call-up at the end of the season. I know a lot of people wanted to see what him and McKeown looked like at the NHL level for a few games.

I've seen a lot out there about his progression for second half of season and adjusting to the difference in pro and size of men, as opposed to teenagers. It'll be exciting to see what he looks like in his second pro season.

I didn't get to see too much from Charlotte, so it is good to hear that he was noticeably better than the other D. I was hoping that he was going to get a call-up at the end of the season. I know a lot of people wanted to see what him and McKeown looked like at the NHL level for a few games.

I've seen a lot out there about his progression for second half of season and adjusting to the difference in pro and size of men, as opposed to teenagers. It'll be exciting to see what he looks like in his second pro season.
- BenCase

I think he'll stumble a bit out of the gate again, but I don't expect him to have the same sort of rollercoaster ride Hanifin has had.

Decent chance Fleury overtakes Hanifin by the end of the season.

If Carolina is smart, they trade Hanafin now, while his stock is still extremely high. Another year of playing like he did last year, his stock will only go down. I know he's still young and has room to improve, but why even take a chance? He's been steam rolled over by Slavin, and a lot of people think Fluery is the better of the 2. Plus , Jake Bean is on his way, too.

There are just too many reasons to trade him, and not enough to keep him. Like I said, his stock will never be as high as it is right now; and with teams overspending for defensman, he should be shopped and traded before his stock starts to fall.

I'm sure a lot of Canes fans and probably the GM are a little reluctant because he was a #5 pick and his potential is still extremely high, and are afraid he will turn into a star. But LHD is too crowded and Hanafin will most likely net the best return.

If Carolina is smart, they trade Hanafin now, while his stock is still extremely high. Another year of playing like he did last year, his stock will only go down. I know he's still young and has room to improve, but why even take a chance? He's been steam rolled over by Slavin, and a lot of people think Fluery is the better of the 2. Plus , Jake Bean is on his way, too.

There are just too many reasons to trade him, and not enough to keep him. Like I said, his stock will never be as high as it is right now; and with teams overspending for defensman, he should be shopped and traded before his stock starts to fall.

I'm sure a lot of Canes fans and probably the GM are a little reluctant because he was a #5 pick and his potential is still extremely high, and are afraid he will turn into a star. But LHD is too crowded and Hanafin will most likely net the best return.
- Dukey3030

I agree if I'm GMRF with Fleury in my back pocket Hanafin for Duchene would be done.

Thoughts on Andre Markov....wonder if the Canes' would consider him if the price was price. Maybe 1M on a one year deal to add experience and depth. But my feeling is RF isn't high any many aging D men but you can never have too many experienced D in my humble opinion.

Thoughts on Andre Markov....wonder if the Canes' would consider him if the price was price. Maybe 1M on a one year deal to add experience and depth. But my feeling is RF isn't high any many aging D men but you can never have too many experienced D in my humble opinion.
- CappyJr.

KHL Bound