The Red Wings are bringing in some much-needed help on the backend at the 2025-2026 NHL Trade Deadline. Detroit is sending a 1st and 3rd round pick to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for veteran defenseman Justin Faulk. Along with the draft picks, Detroit is sending Justin Holl and prospect Dmtri Buchelnikov.
Faulk, 33, has shown that he still has plenty of gas left in his tank. He’s got 32 points (11-21–32) in 61 games with St. Louis this season. He’ll be the second-highest scoring defenseman on the team when he puts on the Winged Wheel. I see Faulk sliding into the second pair alongside Ben Chiarot, with time on the power play and penalty kill.
Stinks to lose a prospect like Buchelnikov (been hurt this season), but the price is easily digestible. Detroit has built a strong crop of prospects. What I’m trying to say is, they can afford to send a 1st and a prospect. The 3rd round pick is of no real consequence (see Elmer Soderblom trade), and Justin Holl is… Well, he’s a guy. I was prepared to lose a 1st rounder if the Wings were going to be serious players at the deadline. The real concern, at least for me, was “what young players are going to be in demand?”
Having said all that, getting Justin Faulk without denting the prospect pool is a big win. Faulk has one year left on his current contract at $6.5 million AAV. So, Yzerman got a nice player with a little bit of term.
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated to reflect the official trade details.
