St. Louis Blues Reportedly Decline Maple Leafs Trade Inquiry for Top-Pair Defenseman
With the Maple Leafs trying to make a splash, they are doing their due diligence on every name possible but it seems the St. Louis Blues have shut the door on them.
A lot has been said about the Toronto Maple Leafs' improved defense, as the signings of Chris Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and the emergence of Jake McCabe as a star shutdown defender have led the team to their regular season success.
But the team could always look for improvement, and according to one NHL Insider, they've been kicking the tires at one star defenseman but keep getting shut down.
Toronto's Constant Quest To Trade For Colton Parayko
It would behoove every team to check in on Parayko, as the Blues star defenseman would give anyone a two-way threat on the ice. Standing at 6'6, and nearly 230 pounds, he's an intimidating force in both zones.
NHL Insider Nick Kypreos stated that Blues GM Doug Armstrong has gotten multiple calls regarding his blueliner, with Toronto being one of the most active:
The Blues' 86th overall pick in 2012, Parayko has been one of the NHL's most consistent and underrated blueliners.
The 10-year veteran has 287 points in 710 games (72G, 215A), but also averages 157 blocks and 108 hits for his career.
Able to slot in on the penalty kill, power play, and has not only playoff production but a Stanley Cup as well. He would be reunited with former head coach Craig Berube, and would fit seamlessly into the system.
It's understandable why the Blues wouldn't want to part with him. Not only one of their top scorers, but he's undoubtedly their best by a long shot, especially given the team employs Ryan Suter and Cam Fowler, who are 40 and 33 respectively.
Right now, St. Louis is struggling but he's been keeping them in close games, and has provided a large chunk of offense while names like Robert Thomas and Pavel Buchnevich try and find their stride again.
If Armstrong wanted to give up Parayko you best believe the package is going to be out of this world, with several firsts, star players, and pieces being exchanged not to mention dealing with his $6.5M cap hit for the next five seasons which, all things considered is a bit of a bargain.
While Toronto seemingly missed out on Colton Parayko, so has every other team. It'll take more than a king's ransom for Armstrong to give up Parayko and even then it's not a guarantee especially when dealing with the NHL's longest-tenured GM.
