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‘Canes to ice All-American defense against Leafs tonight

Justin Faulk, Elias Lindholm

Justin Faulk, Elias Lindholm

AP

Call it a Red, White and Blueline.

Per head coach Bill Peters, the ‘Canes defense will be comprised entirely of Americans on Friday -- Justin Faulk, Ron Hainsey, John-Michael Liles, Brett Pesce, Noah Hanifin and Jaccob Slavin, the 21-year-old prospect that’ll be making his NHL debut.

Slavin, a fourth-round pick in 2012, comes to the team after a strong showing in training camp that extended over to his time with AHL Charlotte. He has seven points in 14 games for the Checkers this year, all assists.

“He’s a big guy who skates well,” Peters said of Slavin, per the ‘Canes website. “He played well in Traverse City [rookie tournament in Detroit] and was good in the exhibition season here for us.

“With the way we’ve played recently, we’ve come off it a little bit, and we want to put him in to see what he can do at this level.”

The ‘Canes haven’t played since a 4-1 loss to Anaheim earlier in the week. Slavin will draw in for Michal Jordan on defense.