The San Jose Sharks aren’t just tinkering around the edges-they’re making it clear they’re ready to compete. Their recent move to acquire forward Kiefer Sherwood from the Vancouver Canucks signals a shift in mindset: the Sharks are buyers. And if they’re serious about staying in the mix, the next logical step might be shoring up the right side of their blue line.
Enter Justin Faulk.
The veteran defenseman from the St. Louis Blues could be exactly the kind of addition San Jose needs.
Faulk isn’t just a plug-and-play piece-he’s a proven top-four defenseman with a two-way game that still holds plenty of value. Offensively, he’s got the instincts and the shot to contribute from the point, especially on the power play.
Defensively, he’s reliable, experienced, and capable of logging heavy minutes, including on the penalty kill. That kind of versatility doesn’t just help you win games-it helps you build a foundation.
And here’s where things get even more interesting: Faulk wouldn’t be a short-term rental. He’s under contract through the 2026-27 season with a $6.5 million cap hit.
For a Sharks team trying to build something sustainable, that kind of term brings stability. It’s not just about this season-it’s about setting up the blue line for the next few years.
Despite St. Louis having a tough year, Faulk has quietly put together a strong campaign.
Through 52 games, the 33-year-old has tallied 11 goals and 13 assists for 24 points. That goal total?
It has him tied for seventh among all NHL defensemen. Not bad for a guy on a team that’s struggled to find its rhythm.
Faulk’s production, leadership, and contract make him a compelling target for a Sharks team looking to take the next step. If San Jose decides to keep pushing chips in, adding a right-shot defenseman like Faulk could be a move that pays off now-and down the road.