Justin Faulk (lower body) will return to the lineup for Thursday's game against Columbus.

Faulk (lower body) will return to the lineup for Thursday's game against Columbus.

Analysis:

Faulk has missed 18 of the Hurricanes' last 19 games with a nagging lower-body ailment, but returned to practice Monday, and appears to have finally overcome his injury. The 24-year-old blueliner's owners will be happy to have him back in their lineups, as he's been a consistent source of offense when healthy this season, tallying 34 points (15 goals, 19 assists) in 55 games. Faulk will likely return to his role on the Hurricanes' top pairing and power-play unit in Thursday's matchup with the Blue Jackets.