NHL Trade Rumors: Avalanche interested in Justin Faulk

Talks are heating up between the Colorado Avalanche and Carolina Hurricanes, as the Avalanche are reportedly interested in Justin Faulk. 

The Colorado Avalanche are looking to do a scorched earth rebuild. Their current core isn’t working out and they desperately need help for their ailing blue line. One of the teams linked to star center Matt Duchene has been the Carolina Hurricanes. According to Bleacher Report’s Adrian Dater, the feeling is mutual, as the Avalanche have been scouting Hurricanes defenseman Justin Faulk.

If Colorado is going to do a straight up trade for Duchene, this is one that makes sense for both sides. Faulk is a three-time All-Star who can move the puck on offense. This is something the Avalanche have struggled mightily at. He wouldn’t solve all of their defensive woes, but he’d be a massive upgrade over just about anyone they have.

Faulk would also help solve Colorado’s power play woes. He ranks in the top 25 among defensemen in points per 60 minutes on the power play over the past three seasons. With Erik Johnson, Nikita Zadorov, Tyson Barrie, and Faulk, the Avalanche would have four above average puck movers. That’s a darn good way to start a rebuild.

Trading Faulk for Duchene makes sense for Carolina as well. They’re at the point where they need to have a franchise center in order to contend. Jordan Staal does a lot of things very well, but he’s not a true number one center. Duchene solves this seemingly eternal need for the Hurricanes. Of course, losing a guy like Faulk would hurt. But Carolina has incredible blue line depth, with four of their defensemen (including Faulk) averaging over 20 minutes per game. Jaccob Slavin and Brett Pesce have already grabbed the first pairing job from him.

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The Hurricanes have the defenseman the Avalanche want. Moreover, Colorado has the franchise center Carolina covets. This sounds like a match made in heaven.