Justin Faulk assigned to Charlotte Checkers

by Carolyn Christians on Oct 19, 2011 10:17 AM EDT in Press Releases

The Carolina Hurricanes have assigned 19-year-old rookie defenseman Justin Faulk to the Charlotte Checkers. Faulk surprised many with his tremendous conditioning and play in the preseason, to the point where Jim Rutherford was quoted to say he was among the top four defensemen in the organization.

After playing in all 6 preseason games and three rough outings to start the regular season, Faulk was scratched in place of Jamie McBain. The Hurricanes have not lost since.

The Canes now have 7 defensemen on the roster, with Derek Joslin as the only one who hasn't yet seen any action in the regular season. Joslin came into Training Camp with mononucleosis.

Related: Chip Alexander tweeted that Canes prospect and Boston College standout Brian Dumoulin attended last night's game vs the Bruins and sat with healthy scratches Joslin and Faulk for the game. Dumoulin and Faulk played together in the World Juniors tournament for Team USA last winter.

The Checkers will be playing three games in three days this weekend, so Faulk should expect to see a lot of ice time in the top pairing. The full release is after the jump.

HURRICANES ASSIGN FAULK TO CHARLOTTE

Rookie defenseman to join Carolina’s AHL affiliate

RALEIGH, NC – Jim Rutherford, President and General Manager of the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that the team has assigned defenseman Justin Faulk to the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League (AHL).

Faulk, 19, made his NHL debut with the Hurricanes in the team’s season opener on Oct. 7 against Tampa Bay. The South St. Paul, MN, native has played in three of the Hurricanes’ six games this season, averaging 18:59 of ice time per game. Faulk (6’0", 205 lbs.) is in his first full professional season after winning the National Collegiate Athletic Association championship with the University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs in 2010-11. The Hurricanes drafted Faulk in the second round, 37^th overall, in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

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This may be an unpopular opinion, but frankly I think this was the best thing for him. He may be that top 4 defenseman JR thinks he is, but it’s hard to argue with the winning recipe that our D has going right now. Watching game after game from the press box isn’t doing him any good and a season as the Checkers’ go-to d-man can only make him a better player IMO.

"What Carolina really has going for them is Brandon Sutter. When that kid first showed up, he looked like a skinny little thing that wouldn’t last two weeks. But he’s turned into a real star."

by caniacgirl on Oct 19, 2011 11:11 AM EDT reply actions

U whole heartedly concur.

by wylde4canes on Oct 19, 2011 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Faulk and (Cole:-) )

He(Faulk) WILL be back..I know it is WAY early BUT.
5 games.Cole 0G, 1A…[Poni 6 games 2G,0A..Stew 2G 0A]..=1pt vs 4 pts..

by gump61 on Oct 19, 2011 11:18 AM EDT reply actions

I wish Cole nothing but success. JR couldn’t/didn’t and shouldn’t have paid that salary/length, but MTL could.

Cole was a big part of this org for a long time. He went to 2 SCFs in a Canes jersey, raised the Cup on home ice.

All the best to Cole.

by efrancis on Oct 19, 2011 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions

I totally agree. Montreal will come to regret that deal. I have not checked around the web yet but I have to think the grumbling is starting among the media and fan base.

by Hockeydog on Oct 19, 2011 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions

No different than anywhere else. There was grumbling here in the preseason with Staal goal-less.

by efrancis on Oct 19, 2011 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Since I am forever riding the Cole-train...

Most of the grumbling I have heard has not necessarily been about his performance. He is not seeing a lot of time on ice and is being slotted on the Habs 3rd line. Most of the articles I have read seem to be more impatient with the coaching staff for where he is slotted.

Southern hockey ambassador at www.cardiaccane.com

by Esbee on Oct 19, 2011 6:59 PM EDT up reply actions

I have read about him being on the top line a good bit.

http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/hockey/montreal-canadiens/Montreal+Canadiens+Erik+Cole+says+home+debut+will+special/5540375/story.html

Personal attacks are the weapon of the ignorant.

Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!

by MichaelProcton on Oct 20, 2011 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions

Glad to see Dumoulin having some remote interest in the Canes. Was a little worried, he never seemed to me like a big fan of joining the team.

by JussiJuice on Oct 19, 2011 11:42 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

not calling you out, but I am curious as to what you base this on? Not everyone who doesn’t want to hop straight in to the pros is a guy looking off his drafting club.

by wylde4canes on Oct 19, 2011 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Pure conjecture on my part, but it’s possible Faulk was brought to Boston as much to hang with Dumoulin as anything.

Re-establishing communication between similar prospects is a good way to help someone feel like the players are aware of him – not just the GM. For a kid from small town Maine who played Juniors in New Hampshire (and based on his twitter feed he’s a New Englander through and through), Raleigh probably seems like a foreign country.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on Oct 19, 2011 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions

His general comments in interviews, his lack of attendence at optional camps (I realize as NCAA he has to pay his own way), and his disinterest in joining even the Canes training camp this year despite JR specifically saying he wanted him there.

It wasn’t a set in stone opinion of mine and this gives me hope, but it wouldnt be the first time a prospect didn’t want to come to NC.

by JussiJuice on Oct 19, 2011 2:23 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Dumoulin attend Rookie Camp in ‘09. Players don’t typically repeat that. I would think that anything later in the summer would conflict with his own school/hockey schedule.

I must have missed JR’s comment. Since Camp doesn’t begin until Sept – how could Dumoulin have attended if still enrolled at BC?

by efrancis on Oct 19, 2011 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions

Same way guys can leave for the NFL combine for a week plus.

Teachers are usually willing to work with star athletes if they’re willing to actually do the work. Good pub for the school. And yes, I have not seen a ton of NCAA kids coming to the prospect camp more than once. They tend to be older than the sweet spot for that event.

Personal attacks are the weapon of the ignorant.

Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!

by MichaelProcton on Oct 19, 2011 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions

The prospect camp is typically attended only once, whether they are are a college prospect or a Jrs player. Since the focus is on a lot of off ice things (nutrition, etc) I don’t think they expect them to attend more than once.

Are NFL prospects leaving for combines in their sports pre-season?

by efrancis on Oct 19, 2011 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions

They are leaving after their sports are over.

Personal attacks are the weapon of the ignorant.

Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!

by MichaelProcton on Oct 20, 2011 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Zac Dalpe came twice, at his own expense (from Ohio State ) and that blew everyone away.

This is what I’ve been told:

College amateur players are not allowed to attend any event that would force them to miss classes. That’s why we don’t see unsigned NCAA prospects in Traverse City etc in September. If Dumoulin attended anything, he would lose his NCAA eligibility.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on Oct 19, 2011 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions

That’s why I said .. “typically”.

by efrancis on Oct 19, 2011 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions

I was replying to Michael…and I wasn’t disagreeing.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on Oct 19, 2011 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Then how does the NFL combine work?

Personal attacks are the weapon of the ignorant.

Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!

by MichaelProcton on Oct 20, 2011 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Generally those players have left school.

When my opinions and reality don't coincide I re-evaluate my opinions, not reality.

by C-Leaguer on Oct 20, 2011 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions

That's not even close to a majority.

Personal attacks are the weapon of the ignorant.

Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!

by MichaelProcton on Oct 22, 2011 2:07 AM EDT up reply actions

his disinterest in joining even the Canes training camp this year despite JR specifically saying he wanted him there. - Please provide source?

Dumoulin can not miss any class to attend a professional sports team function or he would lose his NCAA eligibility.

I’m pretty sure you misunderstood something if you thought Rutherford said he wanted Dumoulin at training camp. He wanted to sign him which meant Dumoulin would then have to walk away from college.

Hockey and Football are dissimilar in that the NHL drafts kids out of high school (in the US educational system) but then they can still play NCAA. Once an NCAA football or basketball player is drafted he loses NCAA eligibility, am I right?

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on Oct 19, 2011 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Ahh ok, my mistake. It was my impression that NCAA players could attend training camps as long as they weren’t actually signed. No idea why I thought that looking back.

by JussiJuice on Oct 19, 2011 4:09 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

He has seemed more to me like a guy who relishes his college experience.

He’s a leader on a good team (and has been), and he seems like he values his education highly. I’m totally fine with that, and look how well McBain’s extended time in college benefited him.

Personal attacks are the weapon of the ignorant.

Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!

by MichaelProcton on Oct 19, 2011 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Everything you said above could be applied to Jack Johnson. That may be the cause of the uneasiness.

When my opinions and reality don't coincide I re-evaluate my opinions, not reality.

by C-Leaguer on Oct 19, 2011 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions

Who?

Harrumph

by ivyleager on Oct 19, 2011 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions

He’s a pop singer.

When my opinions and reality don't coincide I re-evaluate my opinions, not reality.

by C-Leaguer on Oct 20, 2011 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions

Dude, you are my hero LMAO!

by wylde4canes on Oct 20, 2011 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions

His leadership and 2-way D ability are very high-end. McBain is a good example, I believe Dumoulin was about in McBains position last year when he made the switch to the AHL.

I dunno, I’ve watched probably 5-10 interviews Canes related interviews with him and he just never seemed too excited to join the Canes (or maybe just the NHL in general) in the near future.

by JussiJuice on Oct 19, 2011 3:58 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Made the switch his last year (junior year).

typo.

by JussiJuice on Oct 19, 2011 4:11 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

This was the right move for Faulk. He needs to play every night,in every situation. I hav eno doubt he’ll not only make the NHL club for good next fall, but be a central figure on the blue line. Now we just need to get Joslin in the line up and see what he may have to offer.

by Hockeydog on Oct 19, 2011 11:46 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Joslin

I’d love to see him get some time this weekend during the back-to-back although I would hate for the Canes to mess with what is obviously working right now.

And that's another Hurricane's goal! WOOOOOOOO!

by jskinner23 on Oct 19, 2011 11:55 AM EDT reply actions

Great story - other changes besides McBain for Faulk

Carolyn, thanks for writing this item so well and including the item about Dumoulin’s sitting with Faulk and Joslin last night.

I’m sure you didn’t mean to suggest that the change from Faulk to McBain is the only or leading reason for the Canes’ improvement since. I’m commenting to dispel that impression if anybody got it.

I think the more active involvement of Dave Lewis and pairing of D-men who are familiar with each other (Harrison and Kaberle as well as McBain and Pitkanen) had a bigger influence, and moving Ponikarovsky and Ruutu to the first line in place of Skinner and LaRose was huge. The magic passing from Kaberle (sometimes) to Pitkanen to Jokinen to the goal scorer (Skinner or Staal) has also made a difference.

It’s a shame for Faulk that Lewis wasn’t here for most of the games Faulk played. That said, I agree with those who say it’s best for Faulk and the Canes for him to play in Charlotte for the present.

by curiouscanesfan on Oct 19, 2011 12:29 PM EDT reply actions

Thanks for highlighting that so it could be clarified. My intention was to show that it would be difficult for Mo to put Faulk in when this group/pairings are excelling. Giving up 6 goals in 3 games after yielding 13 in the first 3. As a team, absolutely.

These 6 are low maintenance and full NHL professionals.

Lewis was on the ice for all the practices last week with Faulk – and would have seen a lot of video. Would have been good if he was on the bench in his ear between shifts though.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on Oct 19, 2011 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions

All good.

Faulk is clearly NHL talent. He, like most NHL defensemen need some more time to grow. We could do it at the NHL level, but right now, we do not need to.

But he provided competition. Mc Bain seemed to raise his game because of it. I’ll also consider Joslin as one of the main reasons Harrison chose to go to Roberts camp—competition. Can’t have been fun watching the end of the season from the press box and hearing the good words about Joslin’s play.

Joslin is further along defensively, but not near as talented offensively or as a puck mover. But he needs time to play as well. Keeping Faulk sitting right now is no good. I’d like to see him fix his defensive lapses in the AHL and develop a dominating shot while there as a top 2 defender. He’s got that top 2 two way defenseman capability—ala Pitkanen.

by Squeaky83 on Oct 19, 2011 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions

I was a little surprised by this move; only because I heard Forslund say yesterday that he expected Faulk to get one more look. It does make the most sense, the defense is playing pretty well (amazing to say that about the Canes) and Faulk need consistent minutes.

Some managers manage using the carrot, Mo manages by using "The Stick."

by PackPride17 on Oct 19, 2011 2:42 PM EDT reply actions

Maurice was on NHLCenter Ice (XM) right after 2pm (Just happened to be in the car listening). Lots of good comments, but here’s what he said about sending Faulk to Charlotte (from memory):

Faulk is an NHL player no doubt, but they are looking at match-ups against specific teams too. They weren’t going to use Faulk in St Louis or WPG; and now he’s gone a week without playing – which is too long. So with 3 games in Charlotte this weekend they sent him back,but it’s entirely possible he’ll be called back up to Raleigh next week.

Maybe just spin, but it frames how they want everyone to see this player.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on Oct 19, 2011 2:56 PM EDT reply actions

Maurice on XM NHLHomeIce this afternoon

Here’s the full 11 minutes audio link thanks to @lgc_com .

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on Oct 19, 2011 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions

There's no reason not to do it.

Wasn’t that supposed to be one of the main benefits of having our affiliate in Charlotte? Sending kids who aren’t playing every night up and down while they’re waiver-exempt seems like a great way to keep him in game shape, keep him learning, and save the team a little money that might make the difference in a late-season acquisition that will perhaps not only push us over the playoff hump, but solidify a spot in the middle of the playoff seedings. Either way, I’m excited about this team, the new faces, the energy around them, and the coach(es!) who are doing the right thing to put them in situations to succeed.

Personal attacks are the weapon of the ignorant.

Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!

by MichaelProcton on Oct 19, 2011 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions

That is true, we haven’t really used the closeness of Charlotte & Raleigh to our maximum advantage, but we are also on the road; so that might come into play a bit.

Some managers manage using the carrot, Mo manages by using "The Stick."

by PackPride17 on Oct 19, 2011 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Mo is just toeing the company line. There’s no way Faulk was ready for the NHL. Lewis seems to know what he’s doing coaching the D.

by canesfan69 on Oct 19, 2011 9:22 PM EDT up reply actions

That's probably also true.

Personal attacks are the weapon of the ignorant.

Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!

by MichaelProcton on Oct 20, 2011 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions

So when does Joslin play? And with most of the defense playing well, who would he fill in for? Pitkanen, Gleason, Allen are playing real well. McBain is playing a little more aggressive and well. Harrison has been very solid. That leaves Kaberle who could be sat so Joslin gets some game action. Would Mo/JR actually sit the $4 Million Dollar Man to play Joslin? If so, that might be a good defensive lineup against more physical teams.

Some managers manage using the carrot, Mo manages by using "The Stick."

by PackPride17 on Oct 19, 2011 7:44 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

I hope the Canes will rotate the defensemen so all get a break now and then. We’ve seen Canes’ players get worn down in past seasons. There’s enough talent now to give guys a break when they’re tired or hurt. I hope we won’t be seeing more cases of players who are obviously hurt going out there heroically every night, prolonging their injuries and playing far below their capabilities. Joslin’s role could be to keep everybody else healthy and fresh.

by curiouscanesfan on Oct 20, 2011 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions

Glad he went

as he needed the ice time and to keep his skill setsharp !! hate that Joslin aint getting much ice time but at least he’s still on the roster and getting paid…

9/11/01 - Never Forget !!
Long Live #63 The Condor
Go Canes & Checkers !!!

by CaniacSteve on Oct 19, 2011 11:17 PM EDT reply actions