The Boston Bruins missed the playoffs last season, and it seemed it would take more than that to improve in 2025-26. But their situation is entirely different. They are in a position to make the playoffs and are looking to improve the roster with trade deadline moves.
Boston’s front office is still looking for a good blueliner after missing Rasmus Andersson, who was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights. Specifically, they are looking for a right-shot guy, and one familiar name has been mentioned in reports.
Boston Bruins Lead Pursuit of Justin Faulk, With Canadiens and Stars Also Showing Interest
The Bruins have turned their attention to Justin Faulk in their reported talks with the St. Louis Blues. NHL insider James Murphy reported that Boston has remained engaged in discussions over the past month. General manager Don Sweeney views Faulk as a solution for the team’s second-pairing right-shot blueliner need.
Their pursuit of Andersson fell short, but that setback has not changed the team’s plan. Sweeney is still looking and is now in conversation with Blues general manager Doug Armstrong, both of whom are part of Hockey Canada’s management.
“They [Sweeney and Armstrong] have been talking for a while now,” An NHL source told RG media. “… I’m told they’ve talked a lot on Faulk. He fits that void Sweeney’s been trying to fill.”
Faulk carries a seven-year, $45.5 million contract with a $6.5 million cap hit. He has one season left after this year and owns a 15-team no-trade list. That structure gives him some control, yet contenders see value in his experience and production.
The veteran blueliner has registered 30 points in 57 games this season, which includes 11 goals. He has played over 1,000 games and has played for the Carolina Hurricanes and Blues.
Faulk entered the league as a second-round pick of the Hurricanes in 2010. He became a three-time All-Star during his time in Carolina before moving to St. Louis in 2019. His offensive touch and power-play experience make him special.
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While the Blues sit near the bottom of the standings at 20-28-9, Faulk’s play has been hard to ignore. That contrast makes him an attractive trade chip. Multiple teams have checked in, including the Montreal Canadiens and the Dallas Stars, as well as other interested teams.
“Multiple sources have also confirmed to RG that the Montreal Canadiens, Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, Dallas Stars, and Utah Mammoth have also expressed interest in Faulk,” Murphy wrote in his column.
Boston, however, appears at the front of the line to acquire Faulk. They hold a 32-20-5 record and sit fifth in the Atlantic with 69 points. Their offense has improved as they are scoring 3.39 goals per game, but their defense certainly needs to be tighter.
So, here, adding Faulk would address depth and special teams at once.
