The St. Louis Blues are not in a good spot this early into the season. 17 games into the campaign, the Blues are 6-8-3 with just 15 points to their credit. The goaltending situation is an abject nightmare, while the team gives up substantially more goals than they score them. That's why they rank near the bottom of the Central Division, right alongsided the last place Nashville Predators.
Because of this slow start, the Blues general manager Doug Armstrong has begun to let teams know they are open for business. The first name to hit the trade block is Brayden Schenn, who this summer had his full trade clause get reduced to a 15-team no trade clause. Now, there is a new name on the block.
David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period recently listed defenseman Justin Faulk as another Blues player who could be traded.
Justin Faulk latest Blues player to emerge on trade block
"Defenceman Justin Faulk saw his full no-trade clause shift to a 15-team no-trade list this season and some teams are expected to reach out to discuss his availability and potential price tag, if some haven’t already," writes Pagnotta.
Faulk is one of the Blues' most productive players this season, as he has nine points to his credit (three goals, six assists). Faulk's nine points are tied for the second-most on the team, only ranking behind Pius Suter's 10 points.
As Pagnotta mentions in his article linked above, Faulk is in the penultimate year of his seven-year, $45.5 million contract signed back in 2020. So, he is on the books for one more season before hitting free agency again. That could work to the Blues' and Armstrong's benefit, as any player under contract for additional years usually get a more in return in a potential trade package.
It is important to note that the Blues will have to trade Faulk to one of the teams not on his 15-team no-trade list.
It's still very early in the season, so there is potentially time for the Blues to turn things around. Look no further than the 2018-19 season, where they went from last place to Stanley Cup champions. But given recent reporting, Armstrong appears to be open to selling players, albeit if they get good enough offers from interested teams.
Schenn was the first big name to hit the trade block, and now, Faulk is the latest. One has to wonder if there are other players who could be floated as trade bait at some point this season.