Justin Faulk: A Trade Candidate
St. Louis Blues defenseman Justin Faulk has emerged as a trade candidate ahead of the March 6 deadline, and his availability is attracting considerable attention from various NHL teams. Recent discussions suggest that he could potentially bolster the rosters of franchises such as the Detroit Red Wings and Boston Bruins.
Interest from NHL Teams
In early February, Ansar Khan from MLive highlighted Faulk as a great match for the Red Wings, a notion that has gained traction. Meanwhile, James Murphy of RG Media has indicated that the Bruins are also keen on acquiring the experienced blue-liner. This interest comes after the Bruins previously attempted to secure Rasmus Andersson from the Vegas Golden Knights; however, the deal did not materialize as the Bruins wanted assurances on a contract extension that didn’t come to fruition.
Faulk’s Impact on the Ice
Faulk, who can step into a top-four role on the Bruins’ defense behind standout player Charlie McAvoy, offers significant versatility. Notably, he could effectively manage power play units, given his ability to influence the game both offensively and defensively. With 11 goals and a total of 30 points accumulated so far this season, Faulk is positioned to be a considerable asset; he would lead the Bruins’ defensemen in goals and rank high in overall points.
Ongoing Discussions
A source within the NHL revealed insights into ongoing discussions between Boston’s GM Don Sweeney and St. Louis counterpart Doug Armstrong, emphasizing Sweeney’s persistent efforts to find a solution to bolster his defensive corps, as evidenced by his earlier pursuit of Andersson.
Franchise Frontrunners
While the Bruins and Red Wings are viewed as the frontrunners for Faulk’s services, reports suggest that other teams including the Montreal Canadiens, Dallas Stars, Buffalo Sabres, Florida Panthers, and even the Utah Mammoth are also keeping a close eye on the situation. As the interest in Faulk intensifies, it stands to reason that the return package the Blues could expect in a trade will continue to grow.
