Faulk signs massive contract extension right after trade to St. Louis

Earlier today, the Carolina Hurricanes traded defenseman and former captain Justin Faulk, along with a 2020 fifth-round pick, to the St. Louis Blues in return for blue liner Joel Edmundson, prospect Dominik Bokk and a seventh-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft.

Faulk did not have to waive his clause seeing that the Blues were on his list of preferred destinations and what sealed the deal was the fact that St. Louis offered him a massive deal right after the trade. 

The Blues signed Faulk to a seven-year, $45.5 million contract extension, carrying an average annual value of $6.5 million. Faulk, who carries a $4.83 million cap hit for this season, is now signed all the way through the 2026-27 season, four more years than any other player on the Blues roster. 

TSN's Pierre LeBrun has reported that the deal is front-loaded, with Faulk earning $9 million in each of the first two seasons.

“We are excited to add Justin to our core group for the next eight years,” Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said. “He’s a top-four defenceman who averages over 23 minutes a game and we are confident he will be a strong addition to our club.”

Faulk, who was first rumoured to be involved in a potential move with the Anaheim Ducks, tallied 11 goals and recorded 35 points in 82 games last season. He added one goal and eight points in 15 playoff games with the Hurricanes.

He is now a member of the defending Stanley Cup champions.