UPDATE: Colton Parayko has declined to waive his no-trade clause to Buffalo.
Elliotte Friedman on X (formerly Twitter): “Officially, Colton Parayko has declined to waive his no-trade clause to Buffalo — as is his contractual right.We will see where we go from here / X”
Officially, Colton Parayko has declined to waive his no-trade clause to Buffalo — as is his contractual right.We will see where we go from here
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The St. Louis Blues have agreed to send veteran defenseman Colton Parayko to the Buffalo Sabres. The deal is pending Parayko’s approval due to his full no-trade clause.
According to reports, the Blues will receive the Sabres’ 2025 ninth-overall draft pick and prospect Radim Mrtka and a 1st round pick in exchange for Parayko. Parayko, a 32-year-old right-shot defenseman, is under contract through the 2029-30 season with an annual cap hit of $6.5 million. His no-movement clause gives him the final say on whether the trade proceeds, and while he has been asked to waive it, he has not yet agreed—though sources indicate the odds favor approval.
Darren Dreger on X (formerly Twitter): “Sounds like Radim Mrtka and a 1st will be part of it. https://t.co/SHTSjJdcZH / X”
Sounds like Radim Mrtka and a 1st will be part of it. https://t.co/SHTSjJdcZH
Mrtka, a promising young talent selected ninth overall by Buffalo in the 2025 NHL Draft, adds a high-upside piece to St. Louis’ prospect pool. The 2025 first-round pick further bolsters the Blues’ future assets, providing flexibility for general manager Doug Armstrong to reshape the roster around emerging stars like Robert Thomas.
Colton Parayko has been a cornerstone of the Blues’ blue line since his debut in the 2015-16 season. Standing at 6-foot-6 and known for his shutdown defensive play, booming shot, and physical presence, Parayko was a key contributor to St. Louis’ 2019 Stanley Cup victory. Over his career, he has amassed 57 goals and 240 points in 642 games, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier right-handed defensemen.
However, this season has been a disappointment for the Alberta native. In 58 games, Parayko has managed just one goal and 14 points with a minus-14 rating, a far cry from his career-high 16 goals and 36 points in the previous campaign. Recent back spasms have sidelined him for the Blues’ last two games, adding uncertainty to his immediate availability. Trade rumors surrounding Parayko have swirled for months, with earlier talks between the Blues and Sabres initially focusing on other players like Robert Thomas and Justin Faulk before shifting to Parayko.
The Blues, currently struggling and outside the playoff picture, appear committed to a retooling effort. Moving Parayko’s long-term contract frees up cap space and brings in youth, aligning with Armstrong’s strategy to build around a younger core while addressing the team’s defensive depth.
For Buffalo, acquiring Parayko addresses a critical need for right-shot defensemen, a weakness that has plagued their blue line. The Sabres, under GM Kevyn Adams, have been aggressive in pursuing established talent to complement their young stars like Tage Thompson and Dylan Cozens. Parayko’s addition would provide stability and mentorship to Buffalo’s emerging defense corps, potentially pairing him with Owen Power or Rasmus Dahlin for a formidable top pairing.
