If you’ve been watching the Edmonton Oilers lately, the glaring hole on the right side of their blue line isn’t exactly a well-kept secret. It’s the achilles heel standing between a deep playoff run and a frustrating early exit. But according to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, Oilers general manager Stan Bowman might be zeroing in on a massive solution: St. Louis Blues defenseman Justin Faulk.
For Oilers fans clamoring for defensive stability, Faulk is exactly the type of battle-tested, minute-munching right-shot defender this roster desperately requires ahead of the NHL trade deadline. But landing a top-pairing caliber defenseman from the St. Louis Blues isn’t as simple as swapping a few late-round picks.
With the Oilers financially pressed right up against the NHL salary cap limit, acquiring Faulk’s hefty contract will require some serious general manager gymnastics, a major roster subtraction, and potentially parting with the franchise’s last remaining premium assets. Here is my breakdown of exactly how Edmonton can make the math work to bring Faulk to Oil Country.
Why the Edmonton Oilers Desperately Need Justin Faulk
When you look at the current landscape of the Western Conference, elite right-shot defensemen are the ultimate currency. Faulk brings a veteran pedigree, an ability to quarterback a breakout, and the physical edge required to survive a grueling seven-game playoff series against heavy teams like Vegas or Dallas.
However, Faulk carries a significant average annual value (AAV) of $6.5 million through the 2026-27 season. He also holds a 15-team no-trade list, which complicates matters if Edmonton happens to be on it—though playing alongside Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl is usually a strong enough selling point for a veteran chasing a Stanley Cup.
To make the money work, Edmonton has one clear pathway: moving Andrew Mangiapane. Mangiapane currently carries a $3.6 million AAV through next season and possesses a full no-trade clause. The silver lining here? Sources indicate Mangiapane is willing to waive his NTC for a destination where he can secure a larger role and more ice time. Offloading his contract is the unavoidable domino that must fall before Edmonton can even pick up the phone to talk seriously with St. Louis.
The St. Louis Blues’ Asking Price vs. Edmonton’s Cap Reality
If the Oilers successfully move Mangiapane, freeing up the necessary space for Faulk, the next hurdle is meeting the St. Louis Blues’ steep asking price. The Blues are not in the business of giving away premium defenders for free.
The word around the league is that St. Louis will demand a first-round pick and a high-end prospect in exchange for Faulk. Edmonton’s pool of tradeable assets is incredibly shallow. Giving up a first-rounder and a top prospect is a massive gamble, but when your championship window is open right now, it is a price you simply have to pay. In my opinion, if acquiring Faulk means giving up a late first, Edmonton has to pull the trigger to solidify their defense.
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The post The Hidden Cost: How the Edmonton Oilers Can Steal Justin Faulk from the St. Louis Blues appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
