Blues rumors: A new suitor emerges for Justin Faulk

It is Trade deadline week, which means the entire NHL is about to flip upside down. The St. Louis Blues are looking to flip the script on their season, and maybe give the final few weeks a little bit of hope and light for next season. Obviously, a playoff run is still possible, but it is pretty much impossible.

One of the two big names on the Athletic's most recent trade board, alongside Robert Thomas, is defenseman Justin Faulk. He is the most likely of all the Blues trade pieces to get moved, and he could also bring in the biggest return.

According to TSN, there is a new suitor for Faulk, and it is an Eastern Conference team that is looking to break a 14-year playoff drought. The Buffalo Sabres are kicking the tires on the 33-year-old right-handed defenseman, and apparently, General Manager Doug Armstrong is listening.

Faulk to the Sabres?

This could definitely work out for both sides. The Sabres get another key piece in Faulk to help catapult them up the standings. They are currently in the second spot in the Atlantic Division, at 76 points, and are in a tight race with Detroit, Montreal, and Boston. They are going to need a difference maker to try and keep themselves ahead of that pack.

Armstrong has made it known that all of the available trade targets are going to be held at a king's ransom. It is going to cost a lot to grab these players, and if a team isn't willing to pay, oh well. The reported ask for Faulk mirrors the deal involving Rasmus Andersson.

The Sabres have a first-round pick next season, and a second-rounder, so that checks out. One defensive player that the Blues can get back from the Sabres is one who could help develop into a solid player. Despite his struggles with the New York Rangers, Zac Jones could be a solid return and investment.

This rumor is just that, but where there is smoke, there is fire. Can the Blues find a suitable buyer for Faulk before the deadline on Friday?