With rumors swirling that Carolina Hurricanes blueliner Justin Faulk is being shopped, many wonder if the Edmonton Oilers are suitors.
As the March 1 trade deadline approaches, Edmonton is in need of a right-handed, puck-moving defenceman for help on the power-play. Justin Faulk is that specialist that the Oilers need.
Edmonton Oilers
At 6-foot, 215 pounds, Faulk is solid on his feet but dons defensive deficiencies. Faulk has been a negative plus-minus player since coming into the NHL. He is in the midst of a down season by his standards, with 11 goals and 25 points in 50 games.
The Hurricanes have been a disappointment this year as they sit tied for last place in the Eastern Conference. The organization looks to be heading for a rebuild, and it already has many good young defenders in the minors.
Where the Hurricanes lack depth is at the centre position, which is why the Oilers have been rumored a likely trade partner. With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl able to secure the top 2 centre spots, leaves Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is an odd man out. He has been the subject of many trade scenarios this season due to his less than stellar numbers. However, Nugent-Hopkins has made up for it with strong two-way play.
This speculated trade of Justin Faulk for Ryan Nugent-Hopkins would fill needs on both teams. But, with the expansion draft coming up, this trade would change the Oilers strategy for protecting players. Right now, the Oilers roster leans towards the 7-3-1 protection list, where seven forwards, three defencemen and one goalie would be protected from the expansion draft.
If Faulk was to become an Oiler, then the team would be forced to switch to the 4-4-1 strategy to avoid losing another top defender. Faulk would lead to headaches for Peter Chiarelli in terms of the expansion draft, so a trade for the defenseman would most likely occur after the draft.