For the longest time, the St. Louis Blues' biggest weakness was the defense. That seems to have turned around, thanks to diligent work from Doug Armstrong, and the product on the ice is much better now.
Manning the top pair is long-time Blue Colton Parayko and his newly acquired partner, Cam Fowler. Fowler and Parayko worked together in perfect harmony, with Parayko's defensive style bolstering and aiding in Fowler's more offensive contributions.
The pair played terrifically together last season; can they continue with another year under Monty?
Are Colton Parayko and Cam Fowler enjoying a career resurgence?
Both skaters enjoyed a career season under new head coach Jim Montgomery. Parayko, at 31 years old, blew past his career high in goals, scoring 16 in the back of the net. His next highest goal total in a season was 10, which he hit three times before.
Fowler, at 33 years old, found his old stride again after being traded from the Anaheim Ducks to the St. Louis Blues. Fowler only had 4 points in his first 17 games with the Ducks, but exploded for 36 points in 51 games as a Blue. Fowler seemed to find his old game back once he got out of Anaheim.
The question remains: can both players continue their hot stretch into next season? I think there is reason to believe so.
First, let's start with Parayko. His goalscoring came as a result of playing closer to the net, crashing down, and taking the space the opposing defense would give him. The majority of his goals were scored in tight right on the net, meaning these weren't fluke shots that found a hole; this is a real, repeatable offensive strategy.
Fowler generated offense through his excellent passing. As a veteran player, he is able to analyze the game on the ice at a very high level and put the puck in the right place for success. Fowler registered 27 assists to complement his 9 goals of his own, a very impressive stat line. In fact, Fowler's success was so good that, extrapolated out to a full season's worth, his pace would put him at a point total of 58 points, which would've been good for 10th in the league among all defensemen.
Fowler and Parayko last season were a match made in heaven. Both produced at very high levels but brought different skills to the table, leading to great team success on the ice. But can they keep up this level of play for seasons to come?
Can this pair be a long-term answer?
It is doubtful that the Fowler-Parayko pair is a long-term answer. Both are aging skaters and, especially in Fowler's case, might not have their best hockey left in them. The Blues have already been burned in the past with aging defenseman, and I'm sure Doug Armstrong is not likely to make the same mistake twice.
Furthermore, Fowler's contract expires at the end of this season. This means there is a contract discussion to be had with Cam Fowler on whether or not to extend his tenure as a Blue. There is no doubt that he has played at a very high level during his time as a Blue so far, but that could turn around at any point.
I believe Fowler will finish out his contract as a Blue and probably find a different team as Doug Armstrong and the Blues look to get younger at the top pair, but there is no guarantee of that happening. If Fowler has another terrific year as a Blue, he will probably force Army's hand and earn himself a short-term extension for as long as he can continue at this level.
Regardless of Cam Fowler's long-term future in St. Louis, there is no doubt that he should be a player who can contribute to winning this season. And with the face of the franchise Colton Parayko continuing to improve as one of the better defenseman in the league, the St. Louis Blues are set up for success with an excellent top pair.