The Blues’ Blue Line Is the Issue - And It’s Time to Make a Move
The St. Louis Blues haven’t had much trouble finding the back of the net this season - even with early injuries to Robert Thomas and Jake Neighbours.
Both are back in the lineup now, and the offense has held steady. But if the Blues are serious about making a push for the postseason, the real concern isn’t up front.
It’s on the back end.
Defensive inconsistency has been the Achilles’ heel for this team, and with the March 6 trade deadline creeping closer, the Blues’ blue line needs more than a tweak. It needs a reset. That starts with some tough decisions - and one of them might involve parting ways with a veteran who’s been a staple on the backend.
Justin Faulk: A Trade Chip With Value
Justin Faulk just hit a major milestone, playing in his 1,000th NHL game on November 18 against the Maple Leafs. That kind of longevity doesn’t come without a high level of play, and at 33, Faulk is still producing - 13 points in 26 games so far this season. He’s not showing signs of decline, which makes him a valuable asset for teams looking to add experience and offensive punch on the blue line before the deadline.
Faulk does have a modified no-trade clause, with a 15-team no-trade list, but that still leaves room for Blues GM Doug Armstrong to work the phones and find a deal that makes sense. The logic here isn’t about punishing Faulk - it’s about opening the door for the next wave of Blues defensemen.
Prospects like Theo Lindstein and Adam Jiricek are knocking. Faulk’s departure could create the kind of opportunity young blueliners need to take their first NHL strides. And with veterans like Colton Parayko and Cam Fowler already on the roster, there’s leadership in place to help guide the rookies through the growing pains.
The Next Wave: Jiricek and Lindstein
There’s no question the Blues need an injection of youth on defense. They’re sitting at the bottom of the Central Division, and the current group hasn’t been able to clean up the defensive miscues - giveaways in particular have been a major issue, with the Blues ranking among the league’s worst in that category.
Enter Adam Jiricek. The 19-year-old right-shot defenseman has taken a big step forward with the Brantford Bulldogs in the OHL, putting up 26 points in 23 games.
That’s a major jump from last season and a sign that his two-way game is rounding into form. With St.
Louis lacking depth on the right side of the blue line, Jiricek could be a natural fit if Faulk is moved.
If Jiricek isn’t quite ready for NHL minutes, the Blues have another promising option in Theo Lindstein. The Swedish defenseman has already made the jump to the AHL and is just a call-up away. While his offensive numbers - four points in 19 games - don’t jump off the page, Lindstein is a left-shot puck mover who could help settle down some of the chaos in the defensive zone.
His ability to transition the puck cleanly could be a quiet fix to one of the Blues’ biggest problems: giveaways leading to high-danger chances against. He’s not the flashiest option, but he’s a smart, steady player who could grow into a larger role with time.
Caution Is Key - But Action Is Necessary
This isn’t a situation where the Blues can afford to wait and hope things improve. They’re third in the league in goals against - and not in a good way. That number has to come down if they want to claw their way back into the playoff conversation.
That said, Armstrong can’t just throw prospects into the fire and expect instant results. Moving Faulk would be a major shift in the team’s defensive identity, and it has to be done with a long-term plan in mind. Whether that means getting a younger, NHL-ready defenseman in return or stockpiling picks for the future, the return has to match the risk.
The Blues don’t need a full teardown, but they do need to start turning the page. If they wait too long, this season could slip away - and with it, the chance to give their young talent meaningful NHL minutes in a competitive environment.
The clock is ticking. The deadline is three months away, but for the Blues, the time to act is now.