Carolina Hurricanes Opening Night Roster Predictions

Oct 17, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman

(7) celebrates his goal with defenseman Justin Faulk (27) against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre. The Hurricanes beat the Maple Leafs 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Right Defensemen

1st Pairing: Justin Faulk

2nd Pairing: Ryan Murphy

3rd Pairing: Brett Bellemore

Explanation

There’s a lot of youth and a lack of experience among the Carolina Hurricanes’ right-handed defensemen.

Justin Faulk is the most experienced out of the three players, and he is just 22-years-old. Faulk’s defense has always been superb, but his offense needs to come around a bit more.

He has a big contract to live up to now, so he needs to earn his money. If he can score 35+ points, be a plus player, and continue to be a great defensive presence, he will be worth the big money he is getting.

Ryan Murphy is entering a big year for his development. He will be relied on heavily by head coach Bill Peters and his coaching staff this season.

He will likely be on the first power play unit, and he will see a lot of even-strength ice time as well. He needs to be a reliable offensive defenseman and continue to improve his play in his own end this year.

Brett Bellemore was brought back in late July by Ron Francis and the Carolina Hurricanes on a two-way deal. This will be a nice steal for the club if Bellemore can continue to be an intimidating physical presence on the blue line. He will likely see a lot of penalty killing time, as he was one of the best penalty killers last year statistically.