It’s time for another batch of NHL rumours. Some teams have been identified as buyers while others will be selling at the March 3 deadline. The St Louis Blues have already started selling and likely aren’t done. St Louis’ forward group has gotten plenty of interest. However, Blues general manager Doug Armstrong is now taking calls on their solid group of defensemen. Today’s NHL rumours discuss the possibility of a Colton Parayko trade.
NHL Rumours
Colton Parayko Trade Interest Grows
Rumour: Darren Dreger on the latest edition of TSN’s Insider Trading said Armstrong is now getting calls on the Blues’ group of defensemen. Players like Justin Faulk, Nick Leddy and Torey Krug are getting interest from other clubs. However, Parayko is the one getting the most interest according to Dreger.
INSIDER TRADING: #TSNHockey Insiders @DarrenDreger, @PierreVLebrun & @reporterchris on the #NHLPA & Marty Walsh, #StLBlues, Habs, Chychrun, #Preds and 'trade related' healthy scratches… pic.twitter.com/aaDIcMajNT
— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) February 16, 2023
All four blueliners have long-term contracts that carry big cap hits. Parayko carries the longest contract that runs until the end of the 2029-30 season. The St. Albert, Alberta native also logs the largest cap hit of $6.5 million along with Krug and Faulk. All four defencemen also have full no-trade clauses. Armstrong would have to get anyone he wants to deal to waive that no-trade clause.
Could a Colton Parayko Trade Happen?
It’s highly unlikely a deal for the 29-year-old will happen. The contract would be a hefty one to move and Parayko will be 36 at the end of the deal. St. Louis has a strong defence, but the team is crashing down to earth. Armstrong could get a massive return if he deals one of the four blueliners.
Parayko is drawing the most interest because he’s a right-shot defenceman. Those types of players are always in demand at any time of the year. The veteran blueliner would be a good addition to any team. However, a March 3 deal probably isn’t going down unless St. Louis gets something major in return.
Main photo by: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
