NHL Rumors: Red Wings & Blues Linked to Trade

With the St. Louis Blues sliding toward a deadline sell-off, the Detroit Red Wings are getting linked to one of the steadier names that could actually move: veteran right shot defenseman Justin Faulk. 

Detroit’s blue line has had moments, but the second pair has felt like the spot that needs a real stabilizer, and Faulk checks a lot of the boxes for a team trying to stay in the race without gambling on a pure rental.

Why Justin Faulk fits what Detroit needs

Faulk is 33, plays big minutes, and brings a legit two-way profile that can calm down a pairing in a hurry. He has 11 goals and 30 points through 57 games, and he’s filling the stat sheet in the heavier areas too with 97 blocked shots, 110 shots on net, and a workload that still looks like a true top-four defenseman. 

If Detroit wants someone who can handle tough matchups, run a second power play look, and help on the penalty kill, Faulk is the kind of veteran who slides in very nicely.

The Detroit Red Wings are on their way to their first playoff birth in nearly a decade. Should they look to add Justin Faulk to their blueline to shore up their defense?#LGRW pic.twitter.com/BDQTBzlhQ9

— Locked On Red Wings Podcast (@LO_RedWings) January 27, 2026

Faulk is a 13-year NHL veteran, and recently played in his 1,000th NHL game, over the course of which he has recorded 141 goals, 488 points, and a -69 plus/minus rating. He's a two-time All-Star, and has received Norris Trophy votes in the 2014-15 and 2021-22 seasons. 

The contract, the leverage, and the real trade hurdles

Faulk has one more year left after this season at a $6.5 million cap hit and he carries a 15-team no-trade list, so it only works if Detroit is a destination he’ll accept. 

That said, the Red Wings have the cap room to take on the contract, and St. Louis can point to Faulk’s production and usage as a reason to ask for a meaningful return instead of settling for a bargain bin package.

People called me crazy when I suggested Justin Faulk should’ve at least gotten consideration to replace Seth Jones at the Olympics. The Blues have been stinky this season but I’ve watched Faulk for many years now and he’s skating the best I’ve seen in quite some time. I firmly… pic.twitter.com/eInr3hDHH8

— Jordan Schmaltz (@J_Swish24) January 30, 2026

If this rumor keeps heating up, it’s because the fit looks really good on paper. Detroit gets a proven right shot who can play now, and the Blues can start turning a veteran asset into future value. 

The only question is whether the price lands in Detroit’s comfort zone, and whether Faulk is willing to green-light the move.

Photo Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images