The Buffalo Sabres are in the final stages of completing a trade to bring veteran defenseman Colton Parayko from the St. Louis Blues, according to a TSN report on Wednesday. This move, involving the 32-year-old Parayko, hinges on his consent due to a no-trade clause in his contract.
Trade Details Include High-Value Assets Moving to St. Louis
As part of the proposed deal, highly regarded defense prospect Radim Mrtka, selected ninth overall in the 2025 NHL draft, along with a first-round draft pick, would be sent to the Blues. Parayko, standing 6-foot-6, is known for his defensive strength, recording one goal and 14 points in 58 games this season, while averaging over 22 minutes of ice time per game. He also ranks third league-wide with 141 blocked shots.
Parayko’s Professional Background and Contract Status
Drafted in the third round of 2012, Parayko has been a longtime staple for St. Louis, contributing to their 2019 Stanley Cup win. Over 781 games, he has amassed 309 points, consisting of 78 goals and 231 assists. His current contract extends through the 2029-30 season, with an annual salary cap hit of $6.5 million. Aside from his NHL achievements, Parayko represented Canada at the recent Winter Olympics, helping secure a silver medal, and participated in last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.
Sabres’ Position as Strong Contenders Before the Deadline
The Sabres, unexpectedly active buyers ahead of the 3 p.m. ET trade deadline on Friday, are poised to end a 14-year playoff drought. Sitting second in the Atlantic Division, they have been one of the league’s hottest teams, winning their last four games and compiling a 25-5-2 record since early December.
Blues Struggle and Motivation for Rebuilding
In contrast, the St. Louis Blues are facing a difficult season, holding the second-lowest point total in the NHL and the second-worst goal differential. This downturn comes after their 2025 postseason appearance and appears to be driving their willingness to trade a key veteran player like Parayko.
Potential Impact of the Trade on Both Teams
Adding a proven shutdown defender like Colton Parayko could bolster the Sabres’ defensive corps and further enhance their playoff prospects this season. For the Blues, acquiring a high-potential rookie and a valuable draft pick aligns with efforts to rebuild and improve after a challenging campaign. The deal’s completion will likely influence both teams’ futures significantly as they approach the remainder of the NHL season.
