Hurricanes' Faulk returns from 12-game absence

The Carolina Hurricanes will welcome All-Star defenseman Justin Faulk back to the lineup Thursday when they visit the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Faulk has been sidelined since Feb. 23, missing the club's last 12 games and 18 of the past 19.

Carolina could use Faulk in the lineup, as it's lost five in a row and sits seven points outside the final playoff spot in the East.

The 24-year-old was enjoying a career year prior to his injury, matching a career best with 15 goals and 34 points in 55 games.