Blues Defenseman Faulk Draws Trade Interest Ahead of Deadline

Affordable veteran blueliner could provide power-play boost for contenders

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:43am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey defenseman in action, with sharp, overlapping planes of vibrant blue, green, and red colors representing the player's movement and energy on the ice.Faulk's versatile skillset and affordable contract make him a coveted trade target as the Blues look to retool their roster.NYC Today

With the NHL trade deadline approaching, St. Louis Blues defenseman Justin Faulk has emerged as a sought-after trade target. The 28-year-old Faulk, signed through next season at a reasonable $6.5 million cap hit, has been a consistent two-way presence on the Blues' blue line, averaging over 22 minutes per game and chipping in 17 goals and 94 points over the last three seasons. His ability to quarterback a power-play unit has made him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their man-advantage, with the Colorado Avalanche, Utah Mammoth, and New York Islanders rumored to be potential suitors.

Why it matters

Faulk's affordable contract and proven track record as a reliable top-four defenseman make him a valuable trade chip for the Blues as they look to retool their roster ahead of the playoffs. His power-play prowess could provide a significant boost for a contending team in need of an offensive-minded blueliner to anchor their second unit.

The details

The Blues are reportedly seeking a return similar to the package the Calgary Flames received in their trade of Rasmus Andersson, which included a first-round pick, a conditional second-round pick, a top prospect, and a young NHL defenseman. This sets a high bar for Faulk's potential trade value, and it remains to be seen if any team will be willing to meet that price.

  • The NHL trade deadline is set for April 12, 2026.

The players

Justin Faulk

A 28-year-old defenseman for the St. Louis Blues, signed through next season at a $6.5 million cap hit. Faulk has been a consistent two-way presence on the Blues' blue line, averaging over 22 minutes per game and contributing 17 goals and 94 points over the last three seasons.

Rasmus Andersson

A defenseman for the Calgary Flames who was recently traded in a package that included a first-round pick, a conditional second-round pick, a top prospect, and a young NHL defenseman.

Zach Whitecloud

A young defenseman who was part of the package the Calgary Flames received in the Rasmus Andersson trade.

Abram Wiebe

A college prospect who was part of the package the Calgary Flames received in the Rasmus Andersson trade.

Mathieu Darche

The general manager of the New York Islanders, who is reportedly looking to bolster his team's roster ahead of the playoffs.

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What’s next

The Blues will continue to field offers for Faulk leading up to the April 12th trade deadline, with the Avalanche, Mammoth, and Islanders rumored to be potential suitors. The team's asking price, however, remains high, and it remains to be seen if any team will be willing to meet their demands.

The takeaway

Faulk's combination of affordability, power-play prowess, and defensive reliability make him a valuable trade asset for the Blues, but his high price tag could limit the number of teams willing to meet St. Louis' asking price. The next few weeks will be crucial as the Blues look to maximize their return on the veteran defenseman.