As the Olympic break draws near and the NHL Trade Deadline looms, the St. Louis Blues are staring down a pivotal stretch of their season. Hovering near the bottom of the Wild Card standings, the Blues are at a crossroads - and General Manager Doug Armstrong has yet to tip his hand on which direction the franchise is heading.
If the Blues decide to become sellers, one name stands out as a potential game-changer on the market: Justin Faulk. The veteran defenseman has been putting up goals at an impressive clip this season, and his offensive instincts from the blue line could be exactly what a contending team needs to shore up its back end.
Let’s break down three teams that could make a serious push for Faulk - and what the Blues might get in return.
Carolina Hurricanes: A Familiar Face Returns?
A reunion in Raleigh isn’t out of the question. The Hurricanes drafted Faulk back in 2010, and bringing him back into the fold could give Carolina the extra push they need for a deep playoff run. Faulk’s ability to jump into the rush and contribute offensively would complement the Canes’ already mobile defensive corps.
If the Blues are looking to maximize value, a one-for-one swap could be on the table - potentially involving Alexander Nikishin. The 22-year-old Russian blueliner has been turning heads with his development overseas and could be a long-term piece for a Blues team looking to retool on the fly.
It’s a deal that would require some heavy lifting, but if both sides are motivated, there’s a path to making it work.
San Jose Sharks: High Risk, High Reward
Out West, the San Jose Sharks are one of the few playoff-hopeful teams still in need of defensive reinforcements. While other contenders have more established rosters, the Sharks are still figuring out who they are - a team with tantalizing upside but just as much potential to fall apart.
Adding Faulk could stabilize things. He’d bring experience, puck-moving ability, and a scoring touch to a blue line that could use a little more bite. Pairing him with someone like Dmitry Orlov could give San Jose a more balanced top-four, allowing their young forwards to play with more confidence knowing the defense is solid behind them.
For the Blues, any return from San Jose would likely involve a mix of youth and future assets - a smart play if Armstrong is looking to retool rather than rebuild.
Montreal Canadiens: Familiar Trade Partners, Familiar Territory
The Blues and Canadiens have a track record of doing business together, and there’s reason to believe they could link up again. The two franchises have exchanged players in recent years - including the deal that sent Logan Mailloux to St. Louis in exchange for Zack Bolduc - and Montreal’s front office has shown a willingness to pounce when opportunity knocks.
With eight draft picks in next year’s draft, including a pair of fourth-rounders, the Habs have the flexibility to make a move. A package involving a mid-tier prospect and one of those fourth-round picks could be enough to get Faulk in a Canadiens sweater.
For the Blues, that kind of return won’t make headlines, but it could be the type of strategic move that helps them build sustainable depth in the years to come.
The Bottom Line
The Blues are in a holding pattern, but the clock is ticking. If Doug Armstrong decides to pivot toward selling, Justin Faulk becomes one of the more intriguing names on the trade market - not just because of his offensive production, but because of the leadership and playoff experience he brings.
Whether it’s a reunion in Carolina, a gamble with San Jose, or another chapter in their trade history with Montreal, the Blues have options. Now, it’s just a matter of which path they choose - and how bold they’re willing to be.