If you thought the trade market was cooling down, think again. The St. Louis Blues have reportedly set an asking price for veteran defenseman Justin Faulk that is raising eyebrows across the league. According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, Blues GM Doug Armstrong is swinging for the fences.
Friedman reports that St. Louis is seeking a return comparable to the blockbuster Rasmus Andersson deal—which netted the Flames a roster player (Zach Whitecloud), a solid prospect (Abram Wiebe), and two draft picks. For a 33-year-old defenseman with a $6.5 million cap hit, that is a massive ask. While the Vegas Golden Knights kicked tires on Faulk before moving for Andersson, three other teams—the Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Carolina Hurricanes—are now rumored to be in the mix. But are they willing to pay that premium?
The sticker shock here is real. I’ve watched Doug Armstrong operate for years, and he rarely sells low. He knows that right-handed, top-four defensemen are the “unicorns” of the NHL trade deadline. However, comparing Faulk’s value directly to Rasmus Andersson is a bold strategy. Andersson is younger and arguably currently playing at a higher level. Faulk, while reliable and capable of eating big minutes, carries a contract that runs through next season. That extra year of term is a double-edged sword; it provides cost certainty, but at $6.5 million, it’s a heavy anchor for contending teams tight against the cap.
Why The Suitors Might Bite Despite the Price
Even with the high price tag, the interest makes sense. You look at the Detroit Red Wings, and you see a team desperate for stability on the right side to shelter their younger core. Steve Yzerman loves veterans who play a hard, honest game, and Faulk fits that mold perfectly. He could stabilize their second pair instantly.
Then there is the Toronto Maple Leafs. Brad Treliving has been hunting for a tough, right-shot defenseman since he arrived. The Leafs are in “win-now” mode, and if they want to make noise in the playoffs, they need someone who isn’t afraid to block shots and clear the crease. Faulk brings that pedigree. If St. Louis retains salary—which would likely drive the asset cost even higher—this becomes a very real possibility for Toronto.
A Potential Carolina Reunion?
Perhaps the most intriguing option is a return to the Carolina Hurricanes. The Canes know exactly what they are getting in Faulk. He was a fan favorite in Raleigh, and from a hockey perspective, he slots perfectly into their system which relies heavily on active defensemen. Carolina is a legitimate contender, and adding Faulk to their second or third pair would give them arguably the deepest blue line in the East.
My personal take? Armstrong might have to lower the price slightly, or take back a bad contract to make the money work. But if he gets anywhere near the “Andersson package,” it will be a masterclass in asset management for the Blues.
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The post Is Doug Armstrong Dreaming? The Shocking Price for Justin Faulk appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
