Justin Schultz unleashing his full potential with Penguins

Brent Burns, Victor Hedman, Erik Karlsson, Justin Schultz.

Those are the top four scoring defensemen in the NHL as of Friday night.

Of course, the first three are your usual suspects and are to be expected, but for Schultz to enter the conversation is a pleasant and much-welcomed surprise for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

With another two assists in the Penguins' 7-1 trouncing of the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday night, Schultz now sits fourth in blue-liner scoring with 32 points in 45 games.

For Schultz, it truly highlights the resurrection of a career that looked to be in jeopardy just one year ago.

Once believed to be a key part of the Edmonton Oilers' core, the former second-round pick saw his point totals drop and his defensive play deteriorate in his fourth season in Canada's Festival City, before he was shipped to the Penguins last season - just in time to win a Stanley Cup.

After combining for just four goals and 18 points last season, Schultz has been reborn this year. Having nearly doubled those totals, he now sits just a single point away from matching his previous career high of 33, which he hit during his sophomore campaign.

Offense aside, Schultz has become a more well-rounded defender. He leads the Penguins in plus-minus with a plus-25 rating, while playing an average of 18:58 a night.

Sure, injuries to Kris Letang have opened the door for Schultz this season, but he is taking advantage of his opportunities, and the Penguins are all the better for it.