St. Louis Blues defenseman Colton Parayko has decided not to waive his no-trade clause to facilitate a trade to the Buffalo Sabres, according to Pierre LeBrun. As a result of the veteran blueliner's decision, the proposed trade between the two franchises will not be happening.
Parayko holds a full no-trade clause as part of his long-term contract, granting him the authority to block any potential move. Per LeBrun, the decision was not an easy one for the defenseman, but he ultimately chose to remain with the Blues rather than accept the transition to Buffalo. The Sabres had reportedly been targeting the 6-foot-6 defender to bolster their top-four rotation, but those efforts have been halted by the player's contractual rights.
The 31-year-old Parayko is currently playing under an eight-year, $52 million contract extension that runs through the 2029-30 season. The deal carries an annual average value of $6.5 million. A cornerstone of the Blues defense since his debut, Parayko was a vital component of the team's 2019 Stanley Cup championship run and continues to serve as a leader in the locker room.
With the trade officially off the table, Parayko will remain in St. Louis for the foreseeable future. The Sabres will now be forced to look elsewhere if they wish to add a veteran defensive presence to their roster. No additional details regarding the specific assets the Sabres were prepared to send to the Blues have been confirmed.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Sources & Original Reporting
