The Detroit Red Wings could look to further bolster their defense, and one trade idea has them landing a top-four defenseman.
Heavy.com proposed a deal that would see the Red Wings acquire Justin Faulk from the St. Louis Blues in a blockbuster deal.
Red Wings acquire:
Blues acquire:
- Erik Gustafsson
- 2027 first-round pick
The trade would be an intriguing one as Detroit would make a big move to acquire Faulk to add some much-needed star power to the blue line, while St. Louis gets a first-round pick and a depth NHL defenseman.
The Red Wings would make the bold move to acquire Faulk, who has two years left on his seven-year, $45.5 million deal, so he’d be a key part of the roster for two seasons. Faulk is a good two-way defenseman who can be on a shutdown pair, but can also add some offense to the blue line. He recorded 4 goals and 28 assists for 32 points in 78 games.
In return, the Red Wings would give up a first-round pick, which would be the key part of the deal. Detroit would also deal Gustafsson, who would become expendable with the addition of Faulk, while for the Blues, he’d be a bottom-pair defenseman for the team. Gustafsson has one year left on his two-year, $4 million deal. He recorded 2 goals and 16 assists for 18 points in 60 games this season. Gustafsson can run a power play for the Blues and add some offense to the blue line.
Red Wings Could Make Another Splash
Detroit hasn’t been too active this offseason, but Faulk would easily be the biggest move of the season.
The Red Wings’ blue line is led by Moritz Seider and has some young prospects coming up, but could add another top-four defenseman. Faulk could be Detroit’s second-pairing right-shot defenseman behind Seider and would help solidify the blue line.
Adding depth to the blue line was a key this offseason for the Red Wings, who signed Jacob Bernard-Docker to a one-year deal.
“Jacob Bernard-Docker gives us a little bit of depth on defense,” Yzerman said. “Not a big-name signing, but has been an effective player in his time in Ottawa, in particular. He plays hard and competes.”
Although Bernard-Docker is a depth bottom-pairing defenseman, the Red Wings could still have a need for a top-pairing defenseman. Yzerman is also open to making a trade before the season starts.
“Trying to be diligent, maybe patient, just wait for the right player, the right opportunity, whether it is in a trade or in free agency, to add to our lineup and use our assets wisely if we can,” Yzerman added.
The Red Wings have just over $12 million in cap space.
Blues Could Trade Faulk
St. Louis made a big move to acquire Logan Mailloux to add youth to the blue line, which could make Faulk expendable.
NHL insider Nick Kypreos named Faulk a trade chip this offseason as the Blues could look to move off him.
“Faulk again will be a trade candidate as Doug Armstrong looks at ways to improve St. Louis’ roster for 2025-26 and set them up for future success as best he can before handing the GM reins over to Alexander Steen,” Kypreos wrote. “Faulk is 33, played in all situations for St. Louis this season, and though he makes $6.5 million against the cap, he’s owed just $4.5 million in actual salary in both of the last two years of his deal.”
If Faulk is indeed available, he’d be highly sought after by several teams.
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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
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