The Detroit Red Wings are riding high near the top of the Eastern Conference standings as we hit the midway point of January. At this stage, it would take a serious nosedive for them to miss the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs-a far cry from the late-season collapses that have haunted them in recent years. Unlike past campaigns, Detroit’s been able to avoid prolonged slumps, keeping their game steady and competitive through the first half of the season.
But let’s be clear: this isn’t a flawless team. The Red Wings have real potential, but they also have real needs, and the upcoming NHL Trade Deadline gives GM Steve Yzerman a chance to address them.
Historically, Yzerman’s taken a measured approach at the deadline, rarely swinging for the fences. This year, though, the situation might call for a different mindset.
One name that’s been floated in trade discussions? Justin Faulk.
The veteran defenseman from the St. Louis Blues isn’t just a rental-he’s under contract through next season, which makes him an appealing target for a Detroit team looking for both immediate help and longer-term stability on the blue line.
Faulk brings a lot to the table. He’s still producing offensively-he’s tied for the team lead in goals in St.
Louis-and he’s no slouch in his own end either. He’s the kind of second-pair, playoff-tested defenseman who could help ease the burden on Detroit’s younger blueliners.
That includes Axel Sandin-Pellikka, who’s shown promise this year but has also looked a bit overwhelmed at times, especially under pressure in transition.
Adding Faulk would allow Detroit to shelter Sandin-Pellikka and Albert Johansson more effectively, giving them protected minutes while adding a steady veteran presence to the top four. And with Ben Chiarot, Erik Gustafsson, and Travis Hamonic all headed for free agency this summer, this move wouldn’t just be about shoring things up for a playoff run-it would also help solidify the defense heading into next season.
So what might a deal look like?
In this scenario, the Red Wings would acquire Faulk without the Blues retaining any of his salary. In return, St.
Louis would receive forward prospect Max Plante, a conditional 2026 second-round pick, and a 2028 fourth-rounder. The condition?
If Detroit wins a playoff series this year and Faulk plays in at least half of those games, the second-round pick becomes a first-rounder.
It’s a price that reflects Faulk’s value-not just as a contributor now, but as a piece who fits into Detroit’s long-term puzzle.
From the Blues’ perspective, this would be a tough but necessary move. After making the playoffs last season and nearly knocking off the top-seeded Winnipeg Jets, St.
Louis came into this year with postseason expectations. But things haven’t gone according to plan, and they may be forced to make some hard calls at the deadline.
That said, they wouldn’t be walking away empty-handed. Max Plante is a fascinating prospect.
The former second-round pick has turned heads this season at Minnesota-Duluth, emerging as one of the most dynamic players in college hockey. He’s got the kind of offensive creativity that jumps off the screen-threading passes through tight windows, creating chances out of nothing, and now adding more goal-scoring to his game.
With 19 goals in 22 games, he’s taken a major leap forward.
Plante’s the kind of player who thrives under pressure, and if he continues on this trajectory, he could eventually be a top-six forward in the NHL. For a Blues team that may be retooling on the fly, adding a high-upside player like that-plus two draft picks-is a strong return for a veteran like Faulk.
For Detroit, this is the kind of calculated swing that could pay off now and later. Faulk gives them the defensive depth they need for a playoff push, while also helping bridge the gap as their young blueliners continue to develop. And for Yzerman, who’s known for playing the long game, this might be the right moment to make a bold, strategic move that balances both the present and the future.
If the Red Wings are serious about making noise this postseason-and building something sustainable beyond it-this could be the kind of deal that pushes them forward.