Buffalo Sabres Acquire Colton Parayko from St. Louis Blues
The Buffalo Sabres are poised to significantly bolster their defensive lineup with the acquisition of defenseman Colton Parayko from the St. Louis Blues, according to recent reports. The trade, which is still pending Parayko’s waiver of his no-trade clause, signals Buffalo’s commitment to contending for a playoff spot.
Trade Details
According to insider Darren Dreger, the Blues will receive defenseman Radim Mrtka, the ninth overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, and a first-round pick in exchange for Parayko. ESPN reported that Ryan McLeod and Alex Tuch scored short-handed goals in a 5-1 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday night, a game that may have been played with the anticipation of the trade announcement.
Colton Parayko: A Veteran Presence
The 32-year-old Parayko brings a wealth of experience to the Sabres. He has played in 781 NHL games, accumulating over 300 points. He was a key member of the St. Louis Blues team that won the Stanley Cup in 2019 and represented Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics, winning a silver medal. The Buffalo Sabres were founded in 1970 and play their home games at KeyBank Center.
Blues’ Potential Further Moves
The trade involving Parayko may not be the Blues’ last move. Rumors suggest that St. Louis could also trade Robert Thomas to the Utah Mammoth, potentially acquiring additional prospects and draft capital.
Potential Roadblocks and Timeline
As of March 6, 2026, the primary obstacle to finalizing the trade is Parayko’s no-trade clause. He must officially waive this clause for the deal to be completed. While both teams have reportedly reached an agreement, trades can sometimes fall through at the last minute due to unforeseen details.
Sabres’ Playoff Push
The acquisition of Parayko underscores the Sabres’ determination to secure a playoff berth. Terry Pegula owns the team, and Jarmo Kekalainen serves as the general manager, with Lindy Ruff as the head coach. The official Buffalo Sabres website provides updates on the team’s progress and schedule.