The best thing in my life is definitely being teammates with him,” guard Jaccob Slavin said, unable to hide his joy after the victory. The Carolina Hurricanes won overwhelmingly 4-0 in the 2026 NHL Eastern Conference Semifinals, opening up a great opportunity to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. And the young player Jaccob Slavin was referring to was none other than his younger brother, Josiah Slavin.

RALEIGH, N.C. — In the electric aftermath of the Carolina Hurricanes’ commanding 4-0 sweep of the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2026 Eastern Conference Semifinals, defenseman Jaccob Slavin stood in the locker room at Lenovo Center, sweat still dripping from his brow, a broad smile cutting across his face. The Hurricanes had just completed an undefeated 8-0 run through the first two rounds of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, a historic feat that positioned them as the clear favorite to represent the East in the Finals. But for Slavin, the moment transcended hockey statistics and series victories.

“The best thing in my life is definitely being teammates with him,” Slavin said, his voice thick with emotion as he glanced toward his younger brother, Josiah, who was pulling off his jersey just a few stalls away. The quote, delivered with unfiltered joy, captured the heart of a season defined not just by dominance on the ice but by a rare familial bond realized at the highest level of the sport.

Jaccob Slavin, the 32-year-old alternate captain and stalwart defenseman, has been the backbone of the Hurricanes’ blue line for over a decade. Drafted in the fourth round in 2012, he has evolved into one of the NHL’s most reliable shutdown defenders, known for his hockey IQ, impeccable positioning, and leadership both on and off the ice. This postseason, he has anchored a defense that has limited opponents to minimal scoring chances, contributing key blocks and timely plays while logging heavy minutes. His Olympic gold medal with Team USA earlier in 2026 only added to his illustrious resume.

Yet, standing beside him in the playoffs is a story that feels almost too perfect for a sports narrative: his younger brother Josiah, a 27-year-old forward who made his Hurricanes debut earlier this season after signing a two-way contract. For the first time in their lives, the Slavin brothers are not just family—they are teammates on an NHL contender chasing the ultimate prize.

Josiah Slavin, a 6-foot-3 left winger with a strong skating stride and physical edge, was originally drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2018. After bouncing around the AHL and brief NHL stints, he joined the Hurricanes organization, bringing a fresh dynamic to the team. His presence has been a source of inspiration, not only for Jaccob but for the entire locker room. In the regular season, Josiah saw limited action but earned trust through his work ethic in practice and with the Chicago Wolves.

By the playoffs, his role had expanded, contributing energy, forechecking pressure, and moments of offensive spark that complemented the Hurricanes’ structured, high-pressure system under coach Rod Brind’Amour.

The brothers’ journey together began gaining momentum in April 2026 when Josiah made his debut. Jaccob described that first shared game as “pure joy,” a sentiment echoed by their family. Growing up in Erie, Colorado, the Slavins were immersed in hockey from a young age. Jaccob paved the way, starring at Colorado College before turning pro, while Josiah followed a similar path, developing his game with dedication and faith at the core. Both are outspoken about their Christian beliefs, often crediting their shared values for keeping them grounded amid the pressures of professional sports.

In the Semifinals against the Flyers, the Hurricanes’ sweep was clinical. Frederik Andersen stood tall in net with stellar goaltending, while forwards like Sebastian Aho, Seth Jarvis, and emerging talents such as Jackson Blake powered the offense. The defense, led by Jaccob Slavin alongside partners like Brent Burns, neutralized Philadelphia’s threats effectively. Josiah contributed through hustle plays, winning battles along the boards and creating turnovers—intangibles that don’t always show up on the scoresheet but define playoff success.

Post-series, the locker room buzzed with celebration tempered by focus. “Playing with Jaccob has been a dream,” Josiah shared in media sessions. “He’s taught me so much—not just about hockey, but about preparation, leadership, and staying humble. To do this together, on this stage, means everything.” Jaccob, ever the big brother, downplayed his own role while praising Josiah’s growth. “He’s earned every minute out there. Seeing him compete at this level, side by side, it’s special. We push each other every day.”

This brotherly tandem adds a unique layer to the Hurricanes’ quest. Carolina finished the regular season with 113 points, claiming the Metropolitan Division and Eastern Conference title. Their playoff path has been flawless: a 4-0 sweep of the Ottawa Senators in Round 1, followed by the Flyers dismantling. Now, they await the winner of the Buffalo Sabres-Montreal Canadiens series for the Eastern Conference Finals, with home-ice advantage secured at the raucous Lenovo Center.

Analysts point to the Hurricanes’ depth, goaltending, and defensive structure as keys to their success. But insiders highlight the intangibles—the chemistry in the room, bolstered by stories like the Slavins’. Jaccob’s leadership, nominated for the King Clancy Trophy for his community work, sets a tone of accountability and positivity. Josiah’s arrival has injected youthful energy and a sense of family that resonates across the roster.

As the team prepares for the next round, the focus shifts to execution. The Eastern Final opponent—whether Buffalo’s high-powered offense or Montreal’s resilient group—will test Carolina’s mettle. Yet, the Slavin brothers remain a constant reminder of why they play: for the love of the game, family, and shared dreams.

Jaccob Slavin, with over a decade in the league, knows the grind. Multiple deep playoff runs have fallen short of the ultimate goal, but this year feels different. The addition of his brother has rekindled a fire. “It’s not just about winning for us,” he noted. “It’s about building something meaningful.”

For fans in Raleigh and beyond, the Hurricanes’ run is captivating. Tickets for the Conference Finals are flying off the shelves, with the “Loudest House in the NHL” expected to be rocking. The Slavin story has become a fan favorite, symbolizing perseverance, brotherhood, and the magic of the postseason.

As the series looms, one thing is clear: whether hoisting the Prince of Wales Trophy or pushing further, the Slavin brothers are living a chapter few athletes experience. In a sport built on speed, skill, and sacrifice, their bond stands out as the ultimate teammate advantage.

The Hurricanes are rolling, undefeated and united. With Jaccob and Josiah Slavin leading the charge—on the ice and in spirit—Carolina’s Stanley Cup aspirations have never burned brighter. The journey continues, but for the Slavins, the best part is already here: being teammates, chasing glory together.