Blues Defenseman Parayko Blocks Trade to Sabres

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St. Louis Blues defenseman Colton Parayko has decided to remain with the team, invoking his no-trade clause to block a potential deal that would have sent him to the Buffalo Sabres. The teams had agreed on the framework for the trade, but Parayko, who has been the Blues' top defenseman since 2020, opted to stay in the only NHL city he's known since being drafted in 2012.

Why it matters

Parayko's decision to block the trade highlights the power of no-trade clauses in the NHL, which allow veteran players to maintain control over their futures. The move also signals that the Blues are likely to continue relying on Parayko as a key part of their defensive corps, despite his struggles this season.

The details

The Blues and Sabres had agreed on the parameters of a potential trade involving Parayko on Wednesday, but the 32-year-old defenseman, who is in the fifth year of an eight-year, $52 million contract, ultimately decided to invoke his no-trade clause and remain in St. Louis. Parayko was not in the lineup for the Blues' game against the Seattle Kraken on Wednesday due to back spasms, and he learned of the proposed trade later in the day before deciding to stay put.

• On Wednesday, the Blues and Sabres agreed on the framework for a potential trade involving Parayko.
• Parayko was not in the Blues' lineup against the Kraken on Wednesday due to back spasms.
• Parayko learned of the proposed trade later on Wednesday and decided to invoke his no-trade clause to remain in St. Louis.

What’s next

The Blues and Sabres may continue to discuss a potential trade involving other players, but Parayko's decision to invoke his no-trade clause means he will remain in St. Louis for the foreseeable future.