Photo: Connor Hamilton-Imagn Images
Trade discussions between the St. Louis Blues and the Buffalo Sabres appear to have stalled after defenseman Colton Parayko chose not to approve a move to Buffalo.
Reports surfaced that the two teams had worked through elements of a potential trade that would have sent the veteran defenseman to the Sabres. Because Parayko carries full no-trade protection in his contract, the deal required his approval before anything could be finalized.
According to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, Parayko ultimately decided not to waive the clause, ending the possibility of the trade for now. Players with full no-trade protection can control where they go, and in this case, Parayko elected to remain in St. Louis.
It wasn’t an easy decision, but Colton Parayko decided not to waive his NTC for a trade to Buffalo.
Trade with Sabres will not be happening.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) March 5, 2026
The 32-year-old defenseman has been with the Blues organization for his entire NHL career after being selected in the 2012 draft. Over the years, he has been a consistent presence on the team’s blue line and continues to log significant minutes for the club.
Parayko is currently under contract through the 2030 season on an eight-year deal that carries a cap hit of 6.5 million dollars annually. The contract includes full no-trade protection for most of its duration before transitioning to a modified version later in the deal.
While the trade to Buffalo is no longer expected to happen, it does not necessarily mean the Blues are finished exploring roster moves. With the trade deadline approaching, teams across the league are still evaluating options, and St. Louis could continue to listen to offers involving several players on the roster.
For now, though, Parayko remains a member of the Blues as the organization weighs its next steps.
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Writer covering the St. Louis Blues | Student at the University of Missouri School of Journalism | Follow me on X for live Blues updates and news: @JoshDMichel