As the NHL season progresses to a point where we get a more or less idea of how each team is faring, trade rumor noise is not getting any quieter. At the helm of trade rumors are the Vancouver Canucks, who are willing to listen to offers for their veterans. Reports have also emerged that the Toronto Maple Leafs may be open to trading any assets except the obvious ones.
The Edmonton Oilers are also expected to wait till the holiday deadline before deciding to make any drastic changes to their roster. Then there are the St. Louis Blues: the Western Conference team could be open to trading a standout veteran blueliner.
Justin Faulk May be Nearing the End of His Road With the St. Louis Blues
Not just Brayden Schenn, the Blues could be open to trading veteran defenseman Justin Faulk. According to insider David Pagnotta, 33-year-old Faulk, who is approaching the conclusion of his seven-year, $45.5 million contract, could be a potential candidate in the NHL defenseman trade market.
“Justin Faulk is available in St. Louis; maybe Derek Forbort in Vancouver? Yes, Rasmus Andersson’s available in Calgary, you’re gonna have to pay a premium,” Pagnotta speculated, as shared by the NHL Rumour Report on their X profile.
Faulk, who has averaged more than 23 minutes on ice per game this season so far, has accumulated 13 points in 27 games, seven of them being assists. The Blues are in a position where GM Doug Armstrong is likely to make moves to pull the team out of its slump. From goalie Jordan Binnington, who has been extensively linked to the Edmonton Oilers, to Schenn, and now Faulk, no one really is outside the ambit of possibility.
Moreover, Faulk’s term with the Blues is nearly over, and despite restrictions in the form of a 15-team no-trade list, he remains a lucrative option.
“There are a few possible trade candidates on St. Louis’ blue line, but because Faulk has less term (signed through next season at $6.5 million) and trade protection (a 15-team no-trade list) than Colton Parayko, he is the one in focus on my trade board,” Nick Kypreos wrote for Sportsnet, expressing his belief that the 33-year-old blueliner is, in fact, expected to attract several suitors.
Not to forget that there is defenseman Rasmus Andersson of the Calgary Flames. Andersson has been caught in the trade rumor vortex, which is hardly surprising given the Flames’ season. According to Kypreos, teams that fail in their pursuit of Andersson could potentially target Faulk. “Faulk, 33, is very attractive on the trade market. He is kind of seen as an option for teams to look at if they lose out on acquiring Andersson.”
It’s a recurring theme in the NHL: players on teams that fail to perform at a certain level are often expected to be surrounded by trade rumors. It is no different for Faulk. Now, if he is at all headed to a different destination, it remains to be seen.