The St. Louis Blues didn’t plan on spending late February staring up at the standings, but here they are. The 2026 NHL trade deadline has arrived with more questions than answers, and the Blues find themselves looking to retool their roster after a largely disappointing season.
That’s no bueno for fans who were hoping the Blues could make it back to the playoffs this season.
Around the league, the feeling is that the Blues are open for business. The organizational direction seems clear. The focus is on getting younger, resetting the timeline, and reshaping the core. In other words, if you’re over 25, you might want to keep your phone close.
We know the big names that have already hit the rumor mill. Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou would attract attention from just about anyone looking for skill and speed. Brayden Schenn brings grit and playoff credibility. Jordan Binnington has a Stanley Cup résumé that contenders can’t ignore.
But as the deadline inches closer, another name that could be picking up steam is Colton Parayko.
Parayko’s been in trade chatter before. That’s nothing new. What’s different now is timing and momentum. After a strong Olympic performance with Team Canada, Parayko reminded everyone exactly what he can do on a big stage. He was steady, physical, and reliable in heavy minutes. Additionally, that’s the kind of blueline presence that isn’t a luxury but legit Stanley Cup contenders.
At 6-foot-6, Parayko doesn’t exactly blend into the background. He plays a hard, straightforward game. He closes gaps, clears the crease, and isn’t shy about finishing a check. He’s not flashy, and he’s never been marketed as a point-producing defenseman. But come playoff time, nobody complains about having a veteran who can handle tough matchups and kill penalties without blinking.
For the Blues, though, this isn’t just about what Parayko brings. It’s about where the team is headed.
He’s 32 now. Still effective, still valuable, but possibly out of sync with a roster that looks to be getting younger. If the Blues are serious about reshaping the core and building around players entering their prime, moving a veteran defenseman with real market value makes logical sense.
The biggest hurdle standing in the way of a Parayko deal
The biggest hurdle? His $6.5 million cap hit. That’s not pocket change for the average cap-strapped contender. Contenders are always juggling cap space like it’s a high-stakes puzzle. But we’ve seen creative solutions before, salary retention, multi-player deals, draft capital sweeteners. If there’s mutual interest, front offices usually find a way.
While the Blues won’t be looking to retain any salary with four years left on his current deal, if the price is right, St. Louis might be willing to take a chance.
Plus, there should be interest.
Right-shot defensemen with size, experience, and playoff mileage don’t grow on trees. If a contender loses a blue-liner to injury or simply wants insurance for a long postseason run, Parayko’s name will be near the top of the list.
Still, trading someone who’s been part of the fabric of your room isn’t easy. Parayko helped anchor the defense during the franchise’s Cup-winning era. He’s been a steady, professional presence through coaching changes and roster turnover. There’s value in that beyond the stat sheet.
But this deadline feels different for the Blues. If the right offer lands on the table, a first-round pick, a high-end prospect, maybe both, it might be too practical to ignore.
The next few days will tell us a lot about where the Blues believe they stand. Are they tweaking around the edges? Or are they quietly turning the page?
Either way, don’t be surprised if Colton Parayko’s name gets louder before it goes quiet.