As we inch closer to the end of the regular season, we will start to see many nominations and awards discussed in many media outlets. The St. Louis Blues have announced their nomination for the King Clancy Award. The award goes to the best player "who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and who has made a significant humanitarian contribution to his community."
For the Blues, it is defenseman Colton Parayko. Last season, it was captain Brayden Schenn, but Anders Lee of the New York Islanders won the award. Only one Blues player has won this prestigious award: Kelly Chase in 1997-98.
Parayko is a solid choice from the Blues, as he is having as big of a season off the ice as he is on it.
Outside of the game
Off the ice, Parayko is a pivotal figure in the St. Louis community, especially around the St. Louis Children's Hospital. His foundation, Project 55, has raised hundreds of thousands for hospitalized children and their families, and it also includes a very special perk.
Parayko invites one patient and their family to every home game at the Enterprise Center, giving them a once-in-a-lifetime experience. What a truly remarkable gesture.
On the ice
Despite currently dealing with an injury sustained right before the Trade Deadline on March 7, Parayko has had a career-year in 2024-25. He has 15 goals and 20 assists for 35 points, with that goal tally being a career-high. Oddly enough, if he cannot get another point before the end of the regular season, this will be the fourth-time he has tied his career-high in points with 35.
His absense has been felt, but Assistant Coach Mike Weber rallied the troops and was a key reason why the Blues were able to rattle off a franchise-record 12 wins in a row. Parayko's return to game action has not been announced, but he is skating and all odds are on him suiting up for game one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The NHL Awards are scheduled for June 27 in Las Vegas, Nevada.