The St. Louis Blues are hoping to extend their fantastic 2024-25 campaign into this upcoming year and push the needle even further toward a Stanley Cup. There is one player who was left off an exclusive list from NHL Network for the league's top defensemen.
Colton Parayko, who has been consistent and as sturdy as they come during his 10-year career thus far, was not labeled as a top 20 defenseman in the NHL right now. Whether or not it is fair or foul, that should be some fuel to light an ever hotter fire in 2025-26.
What should we expect from Parayko next season?
Leading the last line
It is no secret that Parayko is this team's best d-man. He will continue to get all of the minutes he can get, and the Blues will continue to rely on him heavily. Alongside Cam Fowler, who was a great duo last season after being thrown together when the trade happened in December, there is no limit to how good they can be with a full season ahead of them.
One of his leadership assignments next season will come in mentoring a player who closely models the same kind of game. Logan Mailloux, who came to the Blues via the Zack Bolduc trade with Montreal, has very little NHL experience but already a ton of comparisons to Parayko. Let's see if the 22-year-old kid can learn a thing or two from the actual player.
20-goal season incoming?
In only 64 games last season, Parayko potted 16 goals for the Blues. It could have very well been the first 20-goal season of his career, and that should be the expectation for 2025-26.
Alongside Fowler, a revolutionized first-line powerplay unit with Jimmy Snuggerud added in from last season, will give Parayko more chances to score. Plus, if he can remain healthy for the full duration of the year, he can eclipse that goal marker, more likely than not.