There is speculation that the signing of defenseman Jake Gardiner by the Carolina Hurricanes could spell the end for fellow blueliner Justin Faulk. Carolina is currently about $2.5 million over the salary cap. Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet says that means Faulk's future with the Canes is uncertain.
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Carolina can save about $1.5 million through LTIR, but it's not quite enough.
Faulk, 27, was drafted by Carolina in 2010 and has spent most of the last eight seasons there. With Gardiner signing a four-year deal worth $4.05 million per season, the Hurricanes now have eight defenseman under contract, taking up close to $29 million in cap space. It's been noted that Gardiner and Faulk play a very similar style of game, and with the cap issue, Carolina may be looking to move Faulk's salary.
Faulk has one year remaining on his current contract, worth $4.82 million this upcoming season. What may complicate things for the Canes is his no-trade clause. Over the course of 559 career games, Faulk has 85 goals and 173 assists for 258 points. Gardiner has very similar numbers; 245 points, including 45 goals, over 551 games.
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