The Detroit Red Wings are looking to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2026. They have missed the playoffs in each of the last nine seasons. And the Red Wings believe they have a roster that can contend for a spot in the postseason this coming season.
The Red Wings traded for John Gibson in a deal with the Anaheim Ducks. They re-signed Patrick Kane before NHL Free Agency. And in free agency, they signed the likes of James van Riemsdyk, Jacob Bernard-Docker, and Mason Appleton this summer.
It’s hard to gague whether this team can make the postseason. On one hand, it’s not too difficult to see this team make the playoffs. Especially if the team’s younger stars continue progressing as they have over the last two seasons.
At the same time, there are a lot of issues with this roster as currently constructed. The Red Wings have not addressed their biggest needs. And with only around a month until the season begins, they are running out of time to address those issues.
There are some intriguing players who could be available for trade. A move for a second-pairing defenseman could do a lot for this team. With this in mind, Heavy.com is proposing a trade involving the Red Wings and St. Louis Blues:
Detroit Red Wings acquire: Justin Faulk
St. Louis Blues acquire: Justin Holl, Max Plante, and a 2028 second-round pick
Justin Faulk’s Experience Could Be Invaluable
Luke Hales/Getty ImagesJustin Faulk would give the Detroit Red Wings needed insurance on the blueline.
Faulk has spent each of the last six seasons with the Blues. He was traded by the Carolina Hurricanes right before the 2019-20 season. Throughout his career, he has emerged as a reliable option in the top-four.
His offense has especially become an asset. He is nearing the 1000-game mark for his career. At this time, Faulk has scored 130 goals and 458 points in 980 games. He has scored 10+ goals on six occasions, including two 16-goal campaigns and a 17-goal season in 2016-17.
Faulk joined after the Blues won the Stanley Cup in 2019. However, he does have some experience going deep in the postseason. He made a run to the Eastern Conference Finals with the Hurricanes in 2019, and he went to the second round with St. Louis in 2022.
The Red Wings would certainly appreciate his experience. They have the ability to take on most, if not all, of his $6.5 million cap hit. And he could help mentor some of Detroit’s younger defensemen.
Red Wings Need To Give Top Prospect Time To Develop
Detroit has a young and very promising defenseman coming through the system. Axel Sandin-Pellikka looks like a potential star for the Red Wings down the line. However, he is not quite ready for the NHL.
The Red Wings need to find a stopgap to give him the time to develop. Faulk is a perfect candidate. He is 34, so he’s not a long-term option. And he has two years remaining on his contract.
Sandin-Pellikka could play a role in Detroit if a Faulk trade was made. By the time the veteran leaves, the young Swede could be ready to make his own inpact for the Red Wings’ top-four defense.
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