Red Wings To Recall Defenseman

Detroit will reassess Justin Faulk's status in the morning ahead of Saturday's game against the Rangers.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:25pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements of a hockey defenseman, with sharp planes of red, white, and blue representing the Detroit Red Wings' colors and style of play.A cubist interpretation of a Red Wings defenseman's struggle to maintain possession as the team navigates a challenging injury situation.Philadelphia Today

The Detroit Red Wings are unsure if defenseman Justin Faulk will be able to play in Saturday's game against the New York Rangers. Faulk left Thursday's game against the Philadelphia Flyers with a lower-body injury and did not practice on Friday. Head coach Todd McLellan said Faulk's status will be reassessed on Saturday morning, and the team may recall a defenseman from the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins on an emergency basis.

Why it matters

Faulk is a key part of the Red Wings' defensive corps, so his potential absence would be a significant loss for the team as they look to secure a playoff spot. The Red Wings have an extra defenseman on the roster, but may need to call up reinforcements from their AHL affiliate depending on Faulk's status.

The details

Faulk left Thursday's 4-2 win over the Flyers in the second period and did not return. The team announced he is dealing with a lower-body injury. While veteran defenseman Travis Hamonic is available, McLellan suggested the Red Wings would likely recall Axel Sandin-Pellikka from Grand Rapids on an emergency basis if Faulk is unable to play.

  • Faulk left Thursday's game against the Flyers in the second period.
  • The Red Wings practiced on Friday, but Faulk did not skate.
  • The Red Wings will reassess Faulk's status on Saturday morning ahead of the afternoon game against the Rangers.

The players

Justin Faulk

A defenseman for the Detroit Red Wings who recently suffered a lower-body injury and is questionable for Saturday's game against the Rangers.

Todd McLellan

The head coach of the Detroit Red Wings, who said the team will reassess Faulk's status on Saturday morning.

Axel Sandin-Pellikka

A defenseman for the Red Wings' AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids who may be recalled on an emergency basis if Faulk is unable to play.

Simon Edvinsson

A Red Wings defenseman who said the team's defensive core stepped up in Faulk's absence.

Dylan Larkin

The captain of the Detroit Red Wings, who was given the day off from practice.

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What they’re saying

“'Justin didn't skate today. He's getting treatments. We're hoping he's going to be ready for tomorrow, but I can't predict one way or the other. So we'll see how he is in the morning.'”

— Todd McLellan, Head Coach, Detroit Red Wings

“'Faulker is a big piece of the D group now and to lose a good player like that, it's never fun. Other guys had to step up and I feel like the whole D core stepped up.'”

— Simon Edvinsson, Defenseman, Detroit Red Wings

What’s next

The Red Wings will make a decision on Justin Faulk's status for Saturday's game against the Rangers after reassessing him on Saturday morning.

The takeaway

The potential absence of defenseman Justin Faulk due to injury would be a significant blow to the Red Wings as they push for a playoff spot. The team may need to call up reinforcements from the AHL to fill the void if Faulk is unable to play.