It is no secret that the Boston Bruins are looking to bring in new players ahead of the trade deadline. The team is currently barely hanging on to a playoff spot as the NHL pauses for the Olympics. Due to the break, clubs cannot officially complete trades until the league resumes on February 23. Despite this, team officials are still negotiating potential deals with each other.
Bruins GM Don Sweeney recently attempted to acquire Rasmus Andersson from the Calgary Flames. While Boston was once seen as the frontrunners, the star blueliner eventually joined the Las Vegas Golden Knights in a blockbuster trade. Although Sweeney missed out on his main target, it was quickly revealed that the exec was still looking to take a big swing in the market.
Boston’s interest in Andersson clearly shows that the club wants to sign a quality right-handed defenseman. Bleacher Report’s Adam Gretz has since asserted that this particular position is the team’s biggest need at the moment. According to Gretz, the Bruins defense ranks near the bottom of the NHL in multiple categories during five-on-five play.
RG.com’s James Murphy is now reporting that Boston is actively targeting St. Louis Blues blueliner Justin Faulk. Murphy’s sources reveal that Sweeney and Blues GM Doug Armstrong have discussed a deal involving the veteran for a month. Interestingly enough, both Sweeney and Armstrong are currently working together with Canada’s men’s hockey team at the Olympics.
With the two execs working closely for Team Canada, they have had plenty of opportunities to discuss a deal for Faulk. “They have been talking for a while now,” the source told Murphy. “Sweeney and Armstrong have been together a lot, and I’m told they’ve talked a lot on Faulk. He fits that void Sweeney’s been trying to fill, and you saw that with the way he went after Andersson before he was traded to Vegas.”
Boston’s pivot from Andersson to Faulk would seemingly make sense. Despite his current team’s struggles, the veteran defenseman has played well during 2025-26. In fact, his 30 points are already just two behind what he recorded all of last year. Charlie McAvoy is the only current Bruins blueliner with at least 30 points in 2025-26.
One potential hiccup in Boston’s interest in Faulk is that he may not exactly fit in with Sweeney’s long-term goal. According to The Athletic’s Fluto Shinzawa, the Bruins ideally want to acquire players in the same age bracket as stars David Pastrnak (29), Jeremy Swayman (27), and McAvoy (28). Nevertheless, Faulk, nearly 34, appears to have gas left in the tank to play at least a few more years.
Boston has Plenty of Competition to Acquire Blueliner
In order to acquire Faulk, Boston will have to free up some funds. According to PuckPedia.com, the team has about $3.6 million in current cap space. Faulk carries a $6.5 million AAV cap hit with the Blues and is under contract for one more season. The Bruins, however, do have some pieces to move. This includes fellow right-handed defenseman and soon-to-be free agent Andrew Peeke.
Boston will certainly have fierce competition in the Faulk sweepstakes, though. According to RG.com, the Montreal Canadiens, Detroit Red Wings, and Utah Mammoth are among the interested clubs. The Blues are looking for a substantial package to let go of Faulk, potentially including a first-round draft pick.
