The Bruins missing out on this trade target is probably for the best.
The Boston Bruins were one of the top teams linked to defenseman Justin Faulk. However, the Bruins ended up not winning the sweepstakes, as Faulk was traded to the Detroit Red Wings.
Like the Bruins, Detroit was heavily linked to Faulk before they acquired him. In the end, the Red Wings ended up landing him, but they also gave up a lot in the process.
To acquire Faulk, the Red Wings sent a first-round pick, a third-round pick, and a skilled prospect in Dmitri Buchelnikov to the St. Louis Blues. They also added defenseman Justin Holl to the deal, but that was more for Detroit to get rid of his contract.
Yet, when looking at what the Red Wings had to give up to land Faulk, it is probably for the best that the Bruins did not land him. With the Bruins being in a retool, they were not in a position to give up that kind of trade package for a soon-to-be 34-year-old defenseman for Faulk, even if he would have been a solid addition to Boston's top four.
It will now be interesting to see how much of an impact Faulk makes for the Red Wings from here. With the Red Wings being a clear playoff team that is entering its window, it makes sense that they paid that price to land Faulk. However, the Bruins just are not there yet.