The NHL trade market is heating up, and trusted insider Pierre LeBrun has identified a potential blockbuster match between the St. Louis Blues and the Vegas Golden Knights.
According to LeBrun, Blues defenseman Justin Faulk is emerging as a primary target for a Vegas squad looking to bolster its blue line. With Blues GM Doug Armstrong officially “open for business” and looking to retool, Faulk represents the exact type of veteran stability Vegas craves. If you’ve been waiting for the Golden Knights to make their signature aggressive splash to replace the presence of Alex Pietrangelo, this might be the move. Here is why this trade makes too much sense to ignore.
When Pierre LeBrun speaks, the hockey world listens. And right now, the noise surrounding Justin Faulk and the Vegas Golden Knights is getting loud.
Analyzing the Fit: Why Vegas Needs Faulk’s Minutes
From my perspective as an analyst, this potential move ticks every box for both franchises. For the St. Louis Blues, the objective is clear: get younger and faster. Doug Armstrong is one of the few GMs in the league who isn’t afraid to tear down a roster that isn’t performing, even if it means moving respected veterans. Faulk has been a warrior for St. Louis, averaging over 22 minutes a night this season, but at this stage in the Blues’ lifecycle, shedding his contract for future assets allows Armstrong to accelerate his retool.
On the other side of the table, you have the Vegas Golden Knights. Their operational modus operandi has always been “Cup or Bust.” The loss of Alex Pietrangelo due to injury has left a massive hole on the right side of their defense. While the Golden Knights have depth, they lack that specific, minute-munching veteran presence who can calm the game down in a chaotic playoff series.
Why Faulk Fits the Golden Knights’ Blueprint
I see Faulk as a quintessential Vegas acquisition. He isn’t a rental; he is signed through next season. This appeals to Vegas because they aren’t just buying a hired gun for three months; they are buying two playoff runs with a cost-controlled, top-four defenseman.
While LeBrun mentioned Calgary’s Rasmus Andersson as a more “natural” fit due to age and upside, the acquisition cost for Andersson would likely be astronomical. Faulk provides 85% of what Andersson brings—grit, shot-blocking, and power-play utility—at likely a fraction of the trade capital.
Furthermore, Faulk’s style of play complements the heavy, forecheck-oriented system Vegas likes to run. He can clear the front of the net, move the puck efficiently, and isn’t afraid to block shots. If Vegas wants to cement their status as a contender this spring, acquiring a player with Faulk’s pedigree is the logical next step.
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