“Improving our prospect depth at defense is a priority for our organization, and we felt that it was important for Jaccob to begin his professional career,” said Francis. “He really improved his game during the second half of last season and we look forward to monitoring his development.”

Slavin, 21, completed his second season for Colorado College of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) in 2014-15. The Erie, CO, native earned first-team, All-NCHC honors after totaling 17 points (5g, 12a) in 34 games for the Tigers. Colorado College was eliminated from the NCHC playoffs on Sunday by No. 1 North Dakota.

Slavin (6’2”, 200 lbs.) completes his collegiate career with 42 points (10g, 32a) in 66 games for Colorado College. He was named NCHC Rookie of the Year in 2013-14, after leading the Tigers in points (25) and assists (20) as a freshman. Prior to beginning his collegiate career, Slavin spent three seasons with the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League (USHL), notching 64 points (9g, 55a) in 139 games. Selected by the Hurricanes in the fourth round, 120th overall, in the 2012 NHL Draft, Slavin represented the United States at the 2014 World Junior Championship in Sweden, totaling two points (1g, 1a) in five games.