Blues Defenseman Parayko Weighs Sabres Trade Decision

Veteran blueliner has final say on potential move to Buffalo before NHL trade deadline.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The St. Louis Blues and Buffalo Sabres have the framework of a trade deal involving defenseman Colton Parayko, but the 32-year-old has yet to decide whether to waive his full no-trade clause to facilitate the move. Parayko was in attendance for the Blues' game against the Seattle Kraken on Wednesday, as the trade deadline approaches in less than 36 hours.

Why it matters

Parayko has spent his entire 8-year NHL career with the Blues, so a trade to the Sabres would mark a significant change for the veteran defenseman. The deal could also have implications for both teams' playoff hopes as the deadline nears.

The details

The Blues and Sabres have reportedly agreed to the framework of a trade involving Parayko, but the defenseman has the final say on whether he will waive his no-trade clause to join Buffalo. Parayko was seen leaving the Blues' locker room after their game against the Kraken, though no official decision has been made. The 32-year-old is in the fourth year of an 8-year contract he signed in 2021.

  • The NHL trade deadline is less than 36 hours away (as of March 5, 2026).
  • Parayko has not played in the Blues' last three games as trade rumors have swirled.

The players

Colton Parayko

A 32-year-old defenseman who has spent his entire 8-year NHL career with the St. Louis Blues after being drafted 86th overall in 2012.

Buffalo Sabres

An NHL team that has reportedly agreed to the framework of a trade deal to acquire Parayko from the Blues before the trade deadline.

St. Louis Blues

The NHL team that Parayko has played for his entire career and is now considering trading him to the Sabres.

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What they’re saying

“Parayko did come to the game tonight and was seen walking out of the locker room afterwards. But again, to my knowledge, no official decision has been made on waiving his NTC to Buffalo. The Blues are staying in SEA tonight, flying to SJ tomorrow, and scheduled to be off.”

— Jeremy Rutherford, Reporter (The Athletic)

“Blues and Sabres have a framework of a trade in place. However, at this exact moment, Parayko has not made a decision yet on whether to waive full no-trade clause. He's been presented with the option. Odds are he says yes. Not there yet.”

— Frank Seravalli, Hockey Insider (X (formerly Twitter)

What’s next

If Parayko decides to waive his no-trade clause, the trade between the Blues and Sabres could be finalized before the NHL trade deadline on March 6, 2026.

The takeaway

This potential trade highlights the power veteran players can have in shaping their futures, even as their teams look to make moves ahead of the deadline. Parayko's decision will have significant implications for both the Blues and Sabres as they aim to bolster their rosters for the playoff push.