The St. Louis Blues are entering the NHL trade deadline with one clear objective: move veteran defenseman Justin Faulk - and get meaningful value in return. That’s easier said than done, but it’s not out of the question.
According to reports, the Blues are eyeing a return package similar to what Calgary got for Rasmus Andersson - a deal that netted the Flames a first-round pick, a conditional second (with the potential to become another first), a pro-ready defenseman, and a forward prospect. That’s a hefty haul, and while Faulk has been a dependable presence on the back end for years, matching that kind of return at this stage of his career might be a stretch.
Faulk, now 33, is still logging heavy minutes and contributing on both ends of the ice. Through 51 games this season, he’s tallied 11 goals and 12 assists - solid offensive numbers for a defenseman.
But he’s also sitting at a minus-6, which speaks to some of the defensive challenges the Blues have faced as a whole. Still, Faulk’s 91 blocked shots and 43 hits show he’s not shying away from the dirty work.
He’s the kind of player playoff teams crave: experienced, tough, and capable of chipping in offensively. He won’t be the flashiest name on the market, but for a contender looking to shore up its blue line, Faulk could be a stabilizing presence.
The question is whether St. Louis can squeeze out that “Andersson-type” return.
That’s a high bar, especially considering Andersson is younger and viewed as having more long-term upside. But if the Blues can land even a single early-round pick - say, a second-rounder with some upside - that could be seen as a win given the current market.
There’s no shortage of teams in need of veteran help on defense, especially with the playoff picture tightening. Faulk’s name will be one to watch in the coming weeks, and while the Blues may not get everything they’re asking for, it would be a surprise if he’s still in St. Louis after the deadline passes.