According to Michael Smith of the Hurricanes' official site, Slavin is on the ice for Saturday's morning skate, indicating he's cleared the NHL's COVID-19 protocols.

EDGE Analysis

Slavin missed Thursday's game against Tampa Bay due to the NHL's COVID-19 protocols, but he's on track to return to a top-pairing role for Saturday's matchup with Dallas. The 26-year-old American has picked up one helper while posting a plus-3 rating through three games this campaign.

Slavin (COVID-19 protocol) won't play in Thursday's game against Tampa Bay, Fox Sports Florida reports.

EDGE Analysis

Slavin has resided in the protocol since Jan. 19, as he's played just three games this season. Across those three games, the 26-year-old has just one assist and five shots on goal. His next chance to suit up is in Saturday's game against Dallas.

Slavin was added to the NHL's COVID-19 protocol list Tuesday, Sportsnet's Chris Johnston reports.

EDGE Analysis

This explains why Carolina's Tuesday night matchup with Nashville was postponed, as Slavin was just one of four Hurricanes added to the protocol list Tuesday. At this point it isn't clear if the top-pairing defender will be available for Thursday's clash with the Panthers, assuming that contest is played as scheduled.

Slavin scored a goal and an assist during Saturday's 3-2 win over the Rangers in Game 1 of their Stanley Cup Qualifier.

EDGE Analysis

The 26-year-old snuck in off the blue line and opened the scoring just 61 seconds into the game, roofing a slick pass from Teuvo Teravainen over Henrik Lundqvist. Slavin then helped set up Martin Necas for the eventual game-winner midway through the third period. With Dougie Hamilton (undisclosed) unavailable, Slavin could be the key offensive sparkplug among Carolina's defensemen in this series.

Slavin produced a career-high 36 points in 68 games prior to the league suspending play in mid-March.

EDGE Analysis

Tucked right in behind Dougie Hamilton's 40 points to pace the Hurricanes' back end, Slavin has officially bested his previous career-high 34 set as a sophomore in 2016-17 -- in 14 less games. More impressive, perhaps, is his eye-popping plus-30 (!) rating, which happens to be tied with Hamilton for third in the NHL. Hamilton is paired with Slavin at even strength over 70 percent of the time, so it's clear that this duo is quietly one of the most effective in the Eastern Conference.

Slavin notched two assists, one on the power play, in Friday's 5-2 loss to the Rangers.

EDGE Analysis

The 25-year-old blueliner continues to produce. Slavin has one goal and 10 points over the last 11 games, and he should remain a strong fantasy asset down the stretch even if the Canes bring in defensive reinforcements at the trade deadline to help cover for the loss of Dougie Hamilton (leg).

Slavin picked up two assists in Sunday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Oilers.

EDGE Analysis

It's his first multi-point night since Nov. 30. Slavin hasn't had many peaks lately, but he's also avoided any deep valleys, piling up a goal and eight points in the last nine games while filling in for Dougie Hamilton (leg) as Carolina's top offensive option on the blue line.

Slavin scored a goal on two shots, dished two hits and went plus-3 in Thursday's 5-3 win over the Coyotes.

EDGE Analysis

Slavin's goal tied the game at two in the second period. The 25-year-old has a goal and four assists during his five-game point streak. He's up to five tallies, 27 points, 112 shots, 85 blocked shots and a plus-29 rating in 54 contests. It's all but certain Slavin sets a new career high in points by the end of the year.

Slavin notched an assist and two shots on goal in Tuesday's 6-3 loss to the Blues.

EDGE Analysis

Slavin has one helper in each of his last four games. The 25-year-old's boost in offense is partially offsetting the loss of Dougie Hamilton (lower body). Slavin is at 26 points, 110 shots, 84 blocked shots and a plus-26 rating in 53 contests. He could challenge the 40-point mark at his current pace.

Slavin collected an assist and two PIM in Sunday's 4-3 shootout win over the Canucks.

EDGE Analysis

Slavin has helpers in his last three outings. The 25-year-old defenseman is up to 25 points for the fourth straight season, achieving the mark in 52 games this year. He's added 84 blocked shots, 108 shots on goal and a plus-26 rating in what's shaping up to be a career year for the Colorado native.