The Detroit Red Wings’ most pressing need is a second-pair defenseman, and Justin Faulk of the St. Louis Blues could be the ideal fit for several reasons.
The Blues are second-to-last overall and appear poised for a fire sale before the March 6 trade deadline. Faulk, 33, is not part of their future.
Faulk as a right-handed shooter, would join Ben Chiarot on the Red Wings’ second pairing, replacing rookie Alex Sandin-Pellikka, whose growing pains defensively have prompted coach Todd McLellan to sit him during large portions of the third period recently when protecting a one-goal lead.
General manager Steve Yzerman is almost certain to be a buyer for the first time in his seven years in charge with the team well-positioned for a playoff spot. Whoever he acquires on defense, it will reduce Sandin-Pellikka’s role, likely moving him to the third pairing with Albert Johansson. Having two young players paired together is not ideal, however.
Regardless, the Red Wings need help on defense and Faulk is a solid two-way player with 15 years of experience. He has 11 goals and 28 points in 56 games and is on pace for his most productive season since 2022-23.
Faulk has one year remaining on his contract at $6.5 million, so he’s not the pure rental Yzerman does not like to acquire.
Faulk would man the point on the second power-play unit, perhaps shifting Sandin-Pellikka to the left flank, and would provide another defense option on the penalty kill. He’s a decent shot-blocker (second on the Blues with 97) and has cut down on turnovers from last season, when it was an issue.
Yzerman has a close relationship with Blues GM Doug Armstrong, with whom he’s made several trades. That always helps.
The NHL’s Olympic break trade freeze begins Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET and will be lifted Feb. 23 at midnight.
The Red Wings have plenty of cap space to acquire a top-four defenseman and fulfil their other need of more scoring help up front. They have all their draft picks over the next three years except for their 2027 second-round selection and have stockpiled some prospects they could use to acquire a player or two who can provide immediate help.