The Detroit Red Wings are on their way to a significant time in their organization’s history. Dylan Larkin’s future with the team is, without a doubt, the most important item on a fairly long list of issues that must be resolved. The captain of the team had previously asked for a trade and is now at odds with Red Wings management. Additionally, team management must locate a new general manager after dismissing Steve Yzerman.
Detroit Hockey Now’s Max Smith is suggesting that the Red Wings may soon try to sell Faulk. Of these future unrestricted free agents, the defenseman now earns the most money, excluding DeBrincat. He will start the final season of his seven-year, $45.5 million ($6.5 million AAV) contract. It would be sensible to sell him if the Detroit Red Wings don’t advance in 2026–27.
In addition to this, a number of Detroit’s crucial players are scheduled to complete their last contract year. Alex DeBrincat is generally considered the best player on this specific roster. After all, the forward had the most goals and points for the Red Wings during the 2025–26 season. But John Gibson, Justin Faulk, Daniil Tarasov, and Andrew Copp are all scheduled to become unrestricted free agents the following summer.
According to Smith, the team’s decision regarding Faulk may be influenced by Detroit’s outstanding depth of young blueliners. The writer contends that “the team could afford to move off [Faulk’s] contract for a return more suited to the team’s future roster needs” given that Axel Sandin-Pellikka is just around the corner. This next season, Sandin-Pellikka is anticipated to play on the third line for the Red Wings.
Detroit Red Wings Must Decide John Gibson’s and Justin Faulk’s Futures.
Gibson could get another short-term contract with the Detroit Red Wings, but they may let Faulk go. In his final year, the experienced goalkeeper had a strong performance, recording a .901 save percentage and a 2.72 GAA. However, Trey Augustine is in Detroit, biding his time before taking over Gibson’s position. Scott Wheeler of The Athletic recently placed the former Michigan State standout as the club’s second-best prospect.
However, the young player has only played two AHL games and may not be prepared to take over Detroit’s starting position in 2027. Instead, Augustine might be better off serving as Gibson’s backup following a complete season in the minor leagues. Tarasov would probably leave the Red Wings after only one season if that were the case.
However, when making these specific decisions, money shouldn’t be the Detroit Red Wings’ main concern. The team has more than $19 million in projected cap space right now, according to PuckPedia.com. Detroit has more money than any other NHL team. If Larkin is traded, this number would likewise increase dramatically.
Faulk’s future in Detroit may be determined by the season’s sluggish beginning.
Faulk’s position with the Detroit Red Wings may depend on how the club begins the 2026-27 season. A sluggish beginning could determine the defenseman’s destiny at the team. How Detroit handles Faulk may also be impacted by Larkin’s circumstances.
Presently, the Red Wings are looking for a player comparable to their captain in return if they trade him. A complete renovation is not desired by the team. Detroit may end up giving in on their demands, though, if Larkin is determined to leave. Bringing in young assets for the forward might signal a comparable transaction for Faulk.
