The Detroit Red Wings acquired veteran defenseman Justin Faulk from the St. Louis Blues in a significant move ahead of the NHL trade deadline. Detroit sent back defenseman Justin Holl, 22-year-old Russian prospect Dmitri Buchelnikov, a 2026 first-round pick, and a third-round pick that originally belonged to the San Jose Sharks.

Faulk, 33, brings extensive experience to Detroit with 11 goals and 21 assists in 61 games this season. The right-shot defenseman averages 22:30 of ice time per game and will likely slot in behind star Moritz Seider on the Red Wings' blue line. He carries a $6.5 million cap hit for next season and has a modified no-trade clause.

The trade addresses Detroit's need for right-handed defensemen, a position in high demand at this deadline. The move comes after criticism from captain Dylan Larkin about last year's deadline inactivity. Detroit, currently third in the Atlantic Division with 77 points, aims to end its playoff drought dating back to 2016.