Detroit Red Wings Explain Perron, Faulk Debuts, Soderblom Deal

The Detroit Red Wings got noticeably better at the NHL Trade Deadline with the additions of David Perron and Justin Faulk, and here is our analysis. Now that the dust has settled, the burning question on every fan’s mind is when will they see Perron and Faulk debut? So, let’s figure it all out.

Detroit Red Wings Set the Timetable for David Perron, Justin Faulk

Perron hasn’t suited up for a game since the Ottawa Senators 4-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on January 20th, when he suffered a groin injury. In his post-Deadline press conference on Friday, general manager Steve Yzerman revealed the timetable. “We expect him (Perron) to be 100 percent in approximately two weeks.”

This would, barring a setback, make Perron eligible to debut for the Red Wings’ March 21st matchup vs. the Boston Bruins if they feel he’s ready to go. If Perron doesn’t debut vs the Bruins, anticipate him hitting the ice once again in a Red Wings sweater shortly afterward.

Perron will give the Red Wings a reliable scoring option who also isn’t afraid to land body checks. Those are two attributes the Wings need, with a scoring unit ranked in the bottom half of the league. Detroit has also landed just 17.5 hits per game, so Perron’s physical style will provide extra value.

Justin Faulk’s Debut With the Detroit Red Wings is Around the Corner

Yzerman didn’t hold back when he revealed Faulk’s impending debut. “We expect him to join us for New Jersey.”

While it remains to be seen whether Faulk will be on the ice that night or sitting in the press box, he will don the Winged Wheel at some point during the Red Wings’ four-game road trip that also sees them facing off with the Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Dallas Stars. His arrival will immediately deepen a defensive unit that has leaned heavily on Moritz Seider for consistent play.

Yzerman admitted that had yet to talk with head coach Todd McLellan about the overall plan for the defensive rotation, but there could be a chance McLellan rolls with veterans down the stretch. Rookie Axel Sandin-Pellikka is eligible to return to the AHL, so that’s something to keep an eye on as Faulk gets integrated into the lineup, but there’s also a good chance that Sandin-Pellikka finishes the regular season in Detroit.

By the end of the month, fans will see Faulk and Perron on the ice together should the latter’s rehab stay on schedule. It’s also worth noting that the two players are former teammates in St. Louis, meaning there could be some chemistry in addition to the veteran leadership both players bring.

Trading Elmer Soderblom put Both Parties in a Win-Win Situation

As the season progressed, it became clear Elmer Soderblom was struggling to carve out a consistent role in Detroit’s lineup. With just 39 games, three points, and two goals this season, the writing was on the wall. When the Wings traded Soderblom to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday, they acquired a third-round draft pick, which they later shipped to the St. Louis Blues as part of the Justin Faulk trade.

Yzerman made it clear that acquiring the third-rounder was by design. He also noted that Soderblom’s role as a 13th forward wouldn’t be tough to replace. Yzerman summed it up. “So, we recoup a third-round pick, which we gave up in the trade for Justin Faulk and we just felt if Elmer’s going to be in that thirteenth forward role getting a third-round pick was pretty good value and we got players in the system that we can put into that thirteenth forward role.”

This also makes the Perron trade make even more sense. Should he see extensive playing time when he returns from injury, the Wings can instead insert someone like J.T. Compher or Michael Rasmussen as the thirteenth forward. Or, that could be where they place Perron. Regardless of what the Wings decide, they have flexibility that wasn’t there with Soderblom on the roster.

It won’t be long until the Red Wings are rolling with a deeper lineup, and when they do, their fortunes in the month of March should turn around. If one thing is certain, it is that this is the deepest team the Red Wings have had in years.