Blues' Parayko Willing to Waive No-Trade Clause for West Coast Teams

Defenseman open to joining Kings, Ducks as he prefers to stay on the West Coast

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

St. Louis Blues defenseman Colton Parayko has a full no-trade clause, but he is reportedly open to waiving it to join a team on the West Coast. Parayko, who is from Alberta, Canada, denied a trade to the Buffalo Sabres, indicating his preference is to remain in the Western region. The Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks are among the potential landing spots for Parayko, who has four years left on his contract after this season.

Why it matters

Parayko's willingness to waive his no-trade clause provides the Blues with more flexibility in potentially moving the defenseman, who has been with the team since being drafted in 2012. His geographic preference could limit the number of teams he would accept a trade to, but it also signals that he is open to a change of scenery if it's to a West Coast destination.

The details

Parayko, 28, has a full no-trade clause in his contract, which runs through the 2029-30 season. He recently denied a trade to the Buffalo Sabres, indicating his preference is to remain on the West Coast, potentially with the Los Angeles Kings or Anaheim Ducks. The Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames are unlikely destinations, as they have already made moves to address their defensive needs. The San Jose Sharks could also be a potential suitor, as they have previously shown interest in acquiring a tall, right-handed defenseman like Parayko.

  • Parayko denied a trade to the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday.

The players

Colton Parayko

A 28-year-old defenseman for the St. Louis Blues who has a full no-trade clause in his contract, which runs through the 2029-30 season.

Los Angeles Kings

An NHL team that could be a potential landing spot for Parayko, as he is reportedly open to waiving his no-trade clause to join a West Coast team.

Anaheim Ducks

An NHL team that could be a potential landing spot for Parayko, as he is reportedly open to waiving his no-trade clause to join a West Coast team.

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What they’re saying

“Update Re [Blues] D Parayko, I'm told his preference as of now is to stay in the West, and he's open to the [Los Angeles Kings] and [Anaheim Ducks] among potential landing spots.”

— Kevin Weekes, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)

What’s next

The Blues will continue to explore trade options for Parayko, with the Kings and Ducks potentially emerging as the most likely destinations if Parayko is willing to waive his no-trade clause.

The takeaway

Parayko's willingness to waive his no-trade clause for West Coast teams provides the Blues with more flexibility in potentially moving the defenseman, who has been with the team since being drafted in 2012. His geographic preference could limit the number of teams he would accept a trade to, but it also signals that he is open to a change of scenery if it's to a destination closer to his home in Western Canada.