Leafs linked to top right shot defenseman Colton Parayko

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Tyler Ball
August 5, 2024 (8:31 PM)

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This afternoon a new set of reports from NHL insider David Pagnotta has linked the Toronto Maple Leafs to star defenseman Colton Parayko of the St. Louis Blues.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have made it no secret they are hoping to improve their defense before the beginning of the 2024-25 NHL season. The improvement first began with a trade and extension for veteran Chris Tanev.

Chris Tanev, signed 6x$4.5M by TOR, is a high-end defence-first veteran defenceman who combines stabilizing play in his own end with excellent puck-moving skill. Sacrifices the body to block shots and plays through pain. Was terrific in the 2024 playoffs. #LeafsForever

Chris Tanev is heading into his late 30s and despite his excellent track record many fans and media are expecting another addition as insurance in case things go bad. Today a new set of reports from David Pagnotta has connected the Maple Leafs to a pair of defensemen including top right-handed defenseman Colton Parayko.

David Pagnotta connects the Maple Leafs to major upgrades on defense

Tonight a new list of top available trade options was put together by David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period. In the list he ranks the top targets and lists teams he has heard are interested. The Maple Leafs were connected to two names on the list. The first was Colton Parayko who featured at 18th on the list.

When discussing Colton Parayko, David Pagnotta confirms his name has been swirling in trade rumors and that it would take a massive haul to land the defenseman. Colton Parayko also controls his own destiny with a no-trade clause.

Parayko's name continues to swirl around the trade winds, as it has for the last two seasons. He has a full NTC and five more years left on his contract. It'll take a big deal, and his approval, to make something happen, but the Blues are exploring their options

The 31-year-old defenseman provides massive size at 6'6 and is a defense-first player. His offensive upside comes at moments with his best season culminating in 35 points.

The other option mentioned by David Pagnotta is Shea Theodore of the Vegas Golden Knights. The Golden Knights would prefer not to move Shea Theodore but could be coming up against the salary cap and needing to make a move.

The Golden Knights want to keep Theodore in the fold, but teams are starting to call and inquire about his availability, primarily due to how tight Vegas is up against the cap. Theodore has another year left on his contract and Vegas has a lot of holes to fill. Moving him would create cap space.

As for what the Toronto Maple Leafs would be getting in Shea Theodore there is more excitement than with Colton Parayko. First of all, Shea Theodore is younger at just 29 years old. He is also an offensive-focused defenseman putting up almost a point per game last season with 42 points in 47 games. Production offensively on the back end is something that the Maple Leafs have struggled to find outside of Morgan Reilly.

With the addition of Chris Tanev earlier this summer the Toronto Maple Leafs could afford to look for more of an offensively focused defenseman if they wanted to. With Shea Theodore being more of the type of defenseman they need and not having a no-movement clause he should be the primary target.

With just a couple of months left in the NHL offseason the Toronto Maple Leafs need to make their final moves and adding another dynamic player on defense should be a priority.

Source: The Fourth Period
SUMMER TRADE WATCH 2024 TOP 25

Source: HockeyDB
Colton Parayko Stats

Source: Hockey DB
Shea Theodore Stats