Recently, Detroit Red Wings writer Max Bultman of The Athletic tabbed Justin Faulk as a potential trade target (subscription required) for the organization, and it makes so much sense. The potential acquisition of Justin Faulk by the Detroit Red Wings would be a significant upgrade to the team’s defensive corps, particularly on the right side.
As a highly experienced and right-handed defenseman, Faulk would be optimally situated on the second pairing, complementing Moritz Seider’s role as the top-pairing blueliner. Faulk’s presence alongside Ben Chiarot would fortify the Red Wings’ top four, providing stability and veteran leadership crucial to a successful playoff push.
This addition would enable the organization to further develop and protect Axel Sandin-Pellikka, the promising rookie, by assigning him to the third defensive pairing. In this more protected role, Sandin-Pellikka would gain valuable playoff experience while minimizing exposure to high-pressure situations.
Partnering with Albert Johansson, another emerging talent, would create a dynamic third pairing that balances youth with skill. The move would shift Jacob Bernard-Docker to the seventh defensive slot, providing depth and flexibility for injury coverage.
Why a deal makes sense and the roster implications
From a roster management standpoint, Travis Hamonic, currently on a one-year contract valued at $1 million, would become expendable. Hamonic could be included in a potential trade package to the St. Louis Blues, thereby facilitating the financial aspects of a transaction.
A critical factor supporting this potential move is the longstanding professional friendship between Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman and Blues GM Doug Armstrong. They have a history of completing mutually beneficial transactions—including trades involving Robby Fabbri, Ville Husso, and Jakub Vrana—that demonstrate collaborative rapport and the ability to negotiate deals that satisfy both organizations.
The relationship between these executives increases the feasibility of a Faulk acquisition, positioning the Red Wings to reinforce their defensive lineup and pursue postseason ambitions for the first time in what feels like forever.
Faulk, 33, is enjoying a stellar offensive year with the struggling Blues. He's notched 10 goals and 20 points over 39 games this season. His even-strength goals for percentage (GF%) is 51.9. Faulk is deployed on both the power-play and penalty-kill units, further underscoring his versatility and potential fit with the Red Wings.
There is room for improvement, but the mediocre possession numbers are also a reflection of the Blues as a whole. His Corsi For Percentage (CF%) is 47.0. His Relative Corsi For Percentage comes in at minus-1.0, which is less than ideal, but again, a lot of that is friendly fire from playing on a subpar team.
Faulk has one year remaining on his current deal beyond this season, which averages $6.5 million annually. We all know how Yzerman prefers to trade for players with term, so this potential trade target fits right in with his philosophy as acquiring a player that will be more than just a rental.