The Detroit Red Wings are looking to add some help to the blue line and could look to add some veteran presence.
Heavy.com has a trade idea that sees the Red Wings acquiring Justin Faulk from the St. Louis Blues.
Red Wings acquire:
Blues acquire:
- William Wallinder
- 2026 first-round pick
The Red Wings are searching for some help on the blue line, and Detroit has shown interest in Tyler Myers. Yet, Myers reportedly doesn’t want to waive to go there. So the Red Wings pivot to acquire Faulk for a first-round pick and Wallinder.
Detroit would acquire Faulk, who’s in the sixth year of his seven-year, $45.5 million deal. He would help bolster the Red Wings’ blue line. He’d also be part of the roster for two playoff runs. Faulk is a steady veteran defenseman who plays well in his own end. He can also help add some offense when needed. He’s recorded 11 goals and 21 assists for 32 points in 60 games this season.
In return, the Red Wings would give up their first-round pick and Wallinder, who could help replace the void of Faulk on the Blues’ blue line. Wallinder was selected 32nd overall in the 2020 NHL Draft, but he’s yet to appear in an NHL game. The defenseman has recorded 1 goal and 14 assists for 15 points in the AHL this season.
Red Wings Looking for Blue Line Help
Detroit is holding onto a playoff spot, and the Red Wings are looking to be active ahead of the NHL trade deadline.
The area of need for the Red Wings is on the blue line, and the team is expected to acquire one, according to NHL insider David Pagnotta.
“The Detroit Red Wings are among the teams scouring the trade market for help on the blueline and are hoping to acquire a top-four defenseman, preferably with a right shot by the trade deadline,” Pagnotta wrote. …
“The Red Wings reportedly expressed interest in Rasmus Andersson earlier in the season before the Calgary Flames traded him to the Vegas Golden Knights. Detroit has also been linked to Philadelphia Flyers rearguard Rasmus Ristolainen. Detroit has over $45 million in salary cap space and is not restricted by the cap to add to its roster before deadline day.”
The Red Wings have been linked to multiple defenseman. So, Detroit is likely to acquire at least one before the March 6 deadline.
Faulk Likely to be Dealt
St. Louis is expected to be one of the main sellers ahead of the trade deadline.
The Blues have plenty of trade chips, and insider Nick Kypreos believes Faulk will be dealt before the trade deadline.
“An all-situations, right-handed defenseman who can run a power play, Faulk’s value is steady this season as St. Louis’ highest-scoring blue-liner,” Kypreos wrote. “He’ll turn 34 later this month and has only partial trade protection. But the sense is growing that he is generating a market among a few Cup contenders. And is likely to move by Friday.”
So, the Blues will be one of the teams to watch ahead of the trade deadline.
Trade Pitch Sees Red Wings Acquiring $45.5M Veteran Defenseman in Intriguing Move