2 Red Wings added to USA’s World Championship roster Both Justin Faulk and Max Plante will compete in Switzerland at the upcoming World Championships.

The Detroit Red Wings will have strong representation on the international stage after both veteran defenseman Justin Faulk and rising prospect Max Plante were named to Team USA’s preliminary roster for the 2026 IIHF World Championship in Switzerland.

For Faulk, the selection marks a return to familiar territory. The veteran blue-liner will represent the United States at the senior level for the fourth time in his career, having previously competed in the World Championships in 2012, 2013, and 2015. Across those appearances, Faulk helped Team USA capture two bronze medals and now returns hoping to compete for gold alongside stars such as Matthew Tkachuk and James Hagens.

Faulk’s inclusion caps off a busy season that saw him traded from the St. Louis Blues to the Red Wings at the 2026 NHL trade deadline. Detroit paid a hefty price to acquire the experienced defenseman, sending the 15th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, a third-round selection, prospect Dmitri Buchelnikov, and defenseman Justin Holl to St. Louis in exchange for Faulk’s services.

The 34-year-old rewarded Detroit with steady production and leadership. Between his time with the Blues and Red Wings, Faulk appeared in 78 games while posting 16 goals and 24 assists for 40 points. He also contributed eight points after arriving in Detroit, quickly establishing himself as a stabilizing presence on the blue line. With one year remaining on his contract worth $6.5 million annually, Faulk is expected to remain a key part of Detroit’s defensive core heading into next season.

Meanwhile, Plante’s selection represents another major milestone in the young forward’s rapidly rising career. The 20-year-old will make his senior national team debut after previously starring for Team USA at the World Junior Championships, where he helped capture gold during the 2025 tournament in Ottawa.

Plante is coming off a breakout season at the University of Minnesota Duluth, where he emerged as one of college hockey’s elite players. In 40 games, the forward recorded 25 goals and 27 assists, leading the Bulldogs in both categories while finishing among the NCAA scoring leaders.

His standout campaign culminated with winning the prestigious Hobey Baker Memorial Award, given annually to the top player in men’s college hockey. Although Plante is expected to return to Minnesota-Duluth next season, his continued development has many believing his NHL debut in Detroit may not be far away.

The upcoming World Championship could serve as an important proving ground for Plante as he tests himself against experienced NHL competition on the international stage. For the Red Wings organization, having both an established veteran like Faulk and a rising prospect like Plante represent Team USA highlights the growing depth and talent within Detroit’s system.