Detroit Hockey Now’s Max Smith argues that the Red Wings might want to trade one of their prominent unrestricted free agents-to-be in Justin Faulk.
Smith suggests that, unlike Alex DeBrincat or John Gibson, the Wings have enough depth on defense to jettison Faulk and substitute a prospect into the lineup:
Acquired at the trade deadline, Faulk would’ve been one of Detroit’s top five goal-scorers last year if his totals came solely from his time in a Red Wings uniform, which would mean another hit to the team’s offense.
Faulk’s time in Detroit would be a blip on the radar after being acquired, which did cost the Red Wings their first round pick in the 2026 draft, but his acquisition was under a far different set of circumstances than the team finds itself in even now. However, with Axel Sandin-Pellikka waiting in the wings, the team could afford to move off his contract for a return more suited to the team’s future roster needs.
Right now the Red Wings roster is at the very least abundant with defenseman, including Jacob Bernard-Docker and William Wallinder. Not enough of them are clear, impact making right shots, but the Red Wings could move Faulk out of the room and move someone else up the lineup if another team is willing to provide a decent package to acquire him.
Continued; if anyone is truly expendable on the roster, to me, it’s Jacob Bernard-Docker, who’s played fairly well on the Wings’ third defensive pair.
Despite Faulk being 34 years of age, I don’t see the Wings trading his skills and leadership ability unless the team’s truly scuttled its 26-27 season and Faulk’s had a good season in Detroit.
If the Wings are struggling at the trade deadline, I could see Faulk being moved. Early or in the middle of the season, it’s much more likely that a prospect could replace JBD in the lineup.
