Justin Faulk

Lore & Background

Faulk learned to skate at age three and began organized hockey at six. His father died when he was seven, and he was raised by his mother, whom he credited as the biggest influence on his career. He played prep hockey at South St. Paul High School before joining the USA Hockey National Team Development Program for two seasons. Faulk then played for the University of Minnesota Duluth, where he set a school record for most goals by a rookie defenseman and helped the team win the national championship.

After signing a three-year entry-level contract with the Hurricanes in April 2011, Faulk made his NHL debut on October 7, 2011. He scored his first NHL goal on December 9, 2011, and finished his rookie season with eight goals and 14 assists for 22 points in 66 games, leading all Hurricanes skaters in average ice time. He was the lone Hurricane selected for the 2012 NHL All-Star Game's YoungStar showcase and was named to the 2012 NHL All-Rookie Team.

Faulk continued to develop, becoming a top defenseman for Carolina. In the 2014–15 season, he set new personal records in goals, assists, and points, and was selected to the 2015 NHL All-Star Game. He became the fifth defenseman in franchise history to register nine shots on goal in a single game and surpassed Joni Pitkänen for the highest single-season point total by a Hurricanes defenseman.

Reader's Guide

Justin Faulk's tenure with the Carolina Hurricanes established him as one of the franchise's most reliable and productive defensemen during his eight seasons with the team. Drafted in the second round in 2010, he quickly exceeded expectations by making the NHL roster as a rookie and earning a spot on the NHL All-Rookie Team. His ability to log heavy minutes—leading the team in average ice time as a rookie—and contribute offensively from the blue line made him a cornerstone of the Hurricanes' defense.

Faulk's 2014–15 season was particularly notable, as he set franchise records for points by a defenseman and earned an All-Star selection. He signed a six-year, $29 million contract extension with Carolina in March 2014, reflecting his value to the organization. Beyond his individual achievements, Faulk represented the United States at the 2014 Winter Olympics, underscoring his standing among the world's top defensemen. His time in Carolina laid the foundation for a long NHL career, which later included seven seasons with the St. Louis Blues and a move to the Detroit Red Wings.

Did You Know?

• Faulk set a school record for most goals by a rookie defenseman at the University of Minnesota Duluth.
• He was the lone Hurricane selected to play in the 2012 NHL All-Star Game's YoungStar showcase.
• Faulk signed a six-year, $29 million contract extension with the Hurricanes on March 24, 2014.