Over defenseman Colton Parayko's decade in the NHL, he has not had this kind of incredible week. The only thing that can combat this week was back in 2018 when the St. Louis Blues, with Parayko, lifted the Stanley Cup.
Earlier this week, he along with goaltender Jordan Binnington were announced to be the Blues sole representatives for Team Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off next year. Fresh off of that announcement, Parayko was the overtime hero in the 4-3 win over the Calgary Flames.
What a week
Many thought that Parayko would be skipped over for Team Canada. The NHL has a ton of talent on the blue line, especially from the country up north. He is a solid defenseman, but there are probably nearly a half-a-dozen others that could have easily taken his spot on the roster.
That is a serious confidence boost, to be recognized like that. This upcoming 4 Nations tournament is going to showcase the best hockey players in the world, and they will have the entire weight of their country on their backs. Parayko has been the main contributor for the Blues defense this season, so he should be used to that kind of pressure and responsibility.
To cap the week off with a bang, Parayko was the game-winning goal scorer in the second game of the four-game western road trip. After everything was going their way, and then not going their way, and then regaining composure and poise to finish out the abysmal third-period, Parayko was there to finish the game once and for all.
Colton Parayko puts out the Flames. Game over. #stlblues pic.twitter.com/hOMWPTO5We
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) December 6, 2024
With five goals now on the season, and eight more assists to boot, he is on pace to be a close 40-point scorer. He has never hit that mark, with his highest point total throughout a season being 35 points.
How has Parayko been this season?