Dear Chuck K.,
My name is Brian H..I am a student at NC State and a very avid Hurricanes fan who is writing for insight on the draft process of the Hurricanes, particularly the 2010 NHL draft that yielded Jeff Skinner and Justin Faulk.
The 2010 draft was very kind to U.S. National Development Team Defensemen, which produced a highly lauded group that sent 5 members in the first two rounds: Forbort (15), Tinordi (22), Faulk (37), Merrill (38) and Johns (60). Of those players, Faulk is the most accomplished at the NHL level: he is arguably the most accomplished defenseman of the entire draft so far!
My question has three parts:
I) How were the 'Canes looking to use that particular 2nd round pick- in such a deep draft, what basically amounts to a late first rounder?
II) How did Faulk, in scouting reports, compare to his U.S. National Team draft peers; particularly Merrill, who was taken immediately afterwards? What did the 'Canes see in Faulk, and what was he projected to become according to our scouting reports?
III) What strengths/weaknesses, specific playing type or the selections of led to the Hurricanes selecting Faulk?
Thank you for your insight on the drafting process of the Hurricanes!
Regards, Brian H.