Before the season started, much was said about Justin Faulk and his role on the team. Losing Alex Pietrangelo understandably shifted focus to the defenseman whose contract was slowly turning into an albatross around Doug Armstrong’s neck. What if that huge deal is why it was difficult to sign Alex Pietrangelo? What if Petro leaving was followed up by another sub-par season from Faulk? Would he be the first offered up on a plate to the expansion Seattle Kraken? Would they even take that contract?
Questions are always fair. It was perfectly legitimate to raise an eyebrow at Faulk starting the season on the top pairing with Torey Krug instead of Colton Parayko skating with the former Bruin.