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Detroit Red Wings News

Canes general manager Jim Rutherford was discussing personnel and roster decisions to be made today when a question was raised about Justin Faulk and whether Rutherford would consider him one of the team's top six defensemen. "No," Rutherford said, "in the top four."

Faulk seems likely to make the team out of camp if the above quotes are any indication. Last season, at the University of Minnesota-Deluth, he scored eight goals and 33 points over 39 games. Expect him to be eased into NHL play.

Justin Faulk
"I haven't seen any reason to think of him differently than a good NHL defenseman," Maurice said. "There's just hasn't been a hole (in his game). So I'm almost moving to the point that you start thinking of this guy in the same way you did about Jeff Skinner last year.

Faulk seems more likely to make the team out of camp if the above quotes are any indication. Last season, at the University of Minnesota-Deluth, he scored eight goals and 33 points over 39 games. Expect him to be eased into NHL play.

Justin Faulk
Others sent to St. John's today: forwards John Albert, Akim Aliu, Kevin Clark, Mike Forney, Riley Holzapfel, Eric O'Dell, Shawn Weller and Shayne Wiebe, defencemen Ben Chiarot, Mark Flood, Arturs Kulda, Julian Melchiori, Travis Ramsey, Zach Redmond and Cody Sol plus goaltenders Chris Carrozzi, Peter Mannino and Edward Pasquale.

No immediate fantasy hockey value in the AHL.

Ben Chiarot
One camp note: Rutherford said Canes looking to sign depth defenseman, possibly today. Rutherford said adding d-man would help Checkers situation "should Faulk make our team."

Faulk has impressed during this season's Traverse City Prospects Tournament and is on the short list to make Carolina's opening night roster. The former University of Minnesota-Deluth standout has been fast-tracked by the Canes, playing only one collegiate season.

Justin Faulk