JUSTIN FAULK FINDS A NEW HOME
The St. Louis Blues acquired defenseman Justin Faulk and a fifth-round draft pick in 2020 from the Carolina Hurricanes for defenseman Joel Edmundson, winger Dominik Bokk and a seventh-round draft pick in 2021.
What does it give the St. Louis Blues
Wow. The defending champions decided to add another big piece on defense in order to try to repeat in 2019-20. Faulk will play fewer minutes in St. Louis but should see ample time on the power play. His arrival gives the Blues the best right defense corps in the NHL (behind captain Alex Pietrangelo and Colton Parayko). The Blues also received a fifth-rounder in this deal, while surrendering a seventh-rounder.
What does it give the Carolina Hurricanes
The key to this trade from a Carolina perspective is Bokk, who immediately becomes the Hurricanes' top winger prospect (with winger/center Martin Necas expected to graduate to the NHL this season). Edmundson provides quality depth on the blueline and becomes even more important while Trevor van Riemsdyk recovers from injury. The 'Canes also shed some salary in this transaction.
Fantasy impact
Bokk is a decent keeper-league candidate, and his status does not change moving from the St. Louis organization to Carolina's. He could be drafted in deeper keeper formats. Faulk's fantasy numbers should remain solid despite moving down the depth chart with the move to St. Louis. Edmundson's fantasy value will always be limited.
