Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
After missing games due to a lower body injury, Justin Faulk has returned to the lineup in great form. The 20 year old defenseman has become the Carolina Hurricanes‘ most valuable defenseman in only his second NHL season. His ability to play on both sides of the ice will be extremely valuable to the Canes for years to come. Today Faulk plays his 100th game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Faulk has earned at least a point in each of his last four games and has managed to score three goals and two assists in that time. In the four games, Faulk is a plus-6 and has put up 16 shots. He is really showing off his offensive talent. Although the Canes lost to the Philadelphia Flyers 5-3 on Saturday, Faulk scored a goal and was a plus-3 in the game.
In 34 games this season, Faulk ranks second on the defense in points with 15 and leads the defense with a plus-6. Although he has missed 10 games this season, Faulk still leads the defense in shots with 69.
Faulk looks to be a second round steal, as he was drafted 37th overall in the 2010 NHL draft. The Hurricanes also managed to pick up Jeff Skinner for their first round pick. This year could go down as one of the Canes’ best drafts if both of these players continue to grow. The team’s defense looks to have a lot of upside with young prospect Ryan Murphy close to joining the lineup. With valuable young defensemen like Faulk and Murphy, the team’s defense could be very skilled in a few years.
