The Detroit Red Wings’ GM Steve Yzerman had multiple contingency plans that went unneeded on the NHL Trade deadline day because the team landed the player who was on the top of their list from the beginning of their search.

Two-way right-shot defenseman Justin Faulk seemed like the proper fit for the team because of his experience and his ability to help in a variety of ways.

“A veteran right shot defenseman, been a good player in the league for a long time,” Detroit defenseman Ben Chiarot said. “Should help us quite a bit.”

Coach Todd McLellan has coached against Faulk for plenty of seasons and respects his toolbox.

“Good legs, good vision, can eat a lot of minutes up and has a lot of experience,” McLellan said. “And he’s also got an offensive mind, vision and shot from the blue line in. We could use that.”

Faulk didn’t come cheap. The Red Wings gave up a first-round pick, a third and intriguing Russian prospect Dimitri Buchelnikov. They also gave up Justin Holl, a veteran defenseman who has been playing in Grand Rapids. He’s not in Detroit’s plans. GM Steve Yzerman landed a third-round pick by moving Elmer Soderblom who hadn’t been playing.

Hence, the deal was, in reality for Detroit, Faulk for a first rounder and Buchelnikov. The Red Wings didn’t want to give up Buchelnikov, but it was preferable to losing some other prospects. Buchelnikov has caught fans attention because he has a scoring touch. But the Red Wings couldn’t be sure when he was coming to North America, and he’s not a “can’t miss” prospect.

Overall, Yzerman probably earned an “A” for his Faulk trade, and probably a B+ for acquiring David Perron, a player the Red Wings know well. Fans wanted Yzerman to land a major star like Robert Thomas or Vince Trocheck, but Yzerman said he knew he was out before the final day. The price was too high. Apparently, everyone else reached that conclusion because those players didn’t move.

Red Wings In Case You Missed

Initial Dylan Larkin injury report: Not expected to remove him from the lineup long-term.

GM Steve Yzerman gives up four assets, including a first-round pick and Dimitri Buchelnikov, to land Justin Faulk. 

Michael Brandsegg-Nygard earns a call-up by the Red Wings.

Red Wings Extra

Although John Gibson lost Friday against Florida, he has posted a 19-6-1 record with a 2.08 goals-against average, a 0.924 save percentage and four shutouts in 27 games since Dec. 2 vs. Boston. . .The Grand Rapids Griffins fell 3-2 to the Cleveland Monsters. Ondrej Becher scored his seventh goal and Sebastian Cossa posted 22 saves. They play another road game against Cleveland at 4 p.m. today.

Hockey Now Digest

Colorado: The Avalanche brings back Nazem Kadri to strengthen their line combinations. Colorado Avalanche.

Florida: Matthew Tkachuk said Florida players will wine and dine Sergei Bobrovsky to make sure he stays with the Florida Panthers. 

Philadelphia: Flyers don’t end up trading Rasmus Ristolainen before the NHL Trade Deadline. They did move Bobby Brink. Philadelphia Flyers.

Pittsburgh: Evgeni Malkin will sit out a five-game league suspension at a time when the Penguins are battle for playoff position. Shelly Anderson has the details. Pittsburgh Penguins.