The Red Wings should explore trading Justin Faulk

The Detroit Red Wings have a roster decision developing on defense that nobody probably expected to be this difficult heading into training camp. With Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson already locked into major roles, the question has been who fills out the rest of the blue line. But after four preseason games, two young defensemen are making a very strong case that they should be part of the NHL roster.

With the way Axel Sandin-Pellikka and Anton Johansson have been playing this preseason, the Red Wings should at least explore what a Justin Faulk trade could look like.

Anton Johansson is making it impossible to ignore him

Johansson has arguably been the biggest surprise of Detroit's preseason. The 22-year-old defenseman has played in all four games and has five assists, including a four-assist performance against Pittsburgh. He added another assist against Buffalo on Thursday, meaning he has five points over his last three games and led the Red Wings in preseason scoring.

The production is one thing, but Johansson has also shown the physical side of his game. At 6-foot-4, he brings size and reach that Detroit can use on the back end, while his offensive confidence has been noticeable.

Head coach Todd McLellan has already acknowledged how well Johansson has played, and the combination of his size, puck movement and offensive ability makes it increasingly difficult to justify sending him back to Grand Rapids simply because there isn't room.

ASP looks ready for a bigger role

Sandin-Pellikka's situation is slightly different because the organization already knows what it has in him. He played 63 NHL games last season and recorded 19 points, and now he's coming into this preseason looking much more comfortable at the NHL level.

Through four preseason games, ASP has two goals, including a goal against Pittsburgh and a power-play goal against Buffalo. His goal against the Penguins came on a long-range shot that gave Detroit a 3-1 lead, while his Buffalo goal came on a one-timer from the right circle after a feed from Johansson.

ASP is exactly the type of young defenseman Detroit needs to prioritize. He's 21 years old, has already gained NHL experience and has offensive upside that could eventually make him a major part of the power play. If he's ready for increased responsibility, the Red Wings need to make sure there is actually room for him to receive it.

Remember what Detroit gave up for Faulk

This is where Justin Faulk becomes interesting. Detroit acquired the veteran defenseman from St. Louis in March, sending the Blues Justin Holl, prospect Dmitri Buchelnikov, a first-round pick and a third-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. Faulk came to Detroit after putting up 32 points in 61 games, and he carries a $6.5 million cap hit through this season.

That was a significant price to pay, but it doesn't mean Detroit has to keep him indefinitely. Faulk is 34 years old and can become an unrestricted free agent after this season. If another team values his experience and believes he can help them immediately, Detroit could potentially turn that investment into additional assets while creating a path for younger players.

Detroit should at least make the calls

The Red Wings don't need to trade Faulk just because two prospects had a strong preseason. But if Johansson and Sandin-Pellikka continue proving they belong, Detroit should explore the possibility.

The bigger question is whether the organization wants to prioritize a 34-year-old veteran on an expiring $6.5 million contract or start giving significant NHL minutes to two young defensemen who could potentially be part of the team's long-term core.

If Detroit can find a reasonable return for Faulk, trading him could solve multiple problems at once: create more cap flexibility, add another asset and open a roster spot for Johansson or ASP.

Sometimes the best time to make a trade isn't when a player is struggling. It's when someone behind him makes his roster spot expendable. Right now, that's exactly what Sandin-Pellikka and Johansson are threatening to do.

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