Concern in Buffalo: Reported Colton Parayko trade results in a bizarre turn of events
Photo credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
Colton Parayko remains a massive question mark for head coach Jim Montgomery as the trade deadline rapidly approaches this week.
The St. Louis Blues are aggressively attempting to shed long-term salary and stockpile future draft capital for a deep rebuild.
But their 32-year-old veteran defenseman completely controls his own destiny right now.
He holds a strict full no-trade clause securely locked into his massive contract, giving him absolutely all the leverage.
Rumors heavily linked the towering right-shot defender to the Buffalo Sabres over the last 48 hours.
Management desperately wants to move his heavy $6.5 million cap hit entirely off the books to gain financial flexibility.
He was actually spotted leaving the locker room despite not playing the game against the Kraken.
Despite the intense speculation swirling around the league, there is absolutely no progress regarding him officially waiving his trade protection.
He simply hasn't agreed to pack his bags for Buffalo, leaving both organizations in a highly frustrating holding pattern.
The active roster is staying in Seattle today before flying directly to San Jose tomorrow morning for their next road trip stop. Having a scheduled day off gives the front office a tight 24-hour window to aggressively negotiate a final solution with his agent.
Stalling The Blockbuster
Over his NHL career, the 6-foot-6 blueliner has built an ironclad reputation for strictly eating tough defensive zone starts against elite talent.
With exactly 14 points safely banked through 58 games this season, his overall offensive output has certainly dipped playing on a struggling squad.
Securing a guy with exactly 781 professional games under his belt brings immediate composure to any locker room during high-stakes moments.
The Sabres clearly believe adding a proven Stanley Cup champion will finally snap their miserable postseason drought this spring.
If he firmly refuses to accept a move to the Eastern Conference, St. Louis must immediately pivot to alternative buyers before Friday.
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