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Colton Parayko, St. Louis Blues (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

Should the Maple Leafs Target Blues Colton Parayko?

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers
By Spencer Lazary | Last updated Feb 27, 2025 10:35 AM ET

Recently on an episode of Real Kyper and Bourne on Sportsnet, co-hosts Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne talked the idea of the Toronto Maple Leafs trading for St. Louis Blues defenseman Colton Parayko. The idea has sparked some conversation around the NHL and within the Maple Leafs fan base, especially given his recent play at the 4-Nations Face-Off Tournament.

Kypreos and Bourne discussed about whether the Maple Leafs should consider the trade and what they would have to give up to make it work. They noted that Blues GM Doug Armstrong realizes Parayko’s value has never been higher around the NHL, and the Blues would be willing to move him for the right price. But what about the Maple Leafs? Would they be willing to trade pieces of their future to bring in Parayko and push for a Cup now? Let’s examine whether it would be a good idea or not.

Should Toronto Sell the Future for Parayko?

There’s absolutely no question that he makes sense for the Maple Leafs. The biggest caveat would be the asking price. It’s hard to see Brad Treliving giving up Fraser Minten and Easton Cowan to get Parayko. That said, he could be willing to part with some of the players Kypreos and Bourne mentioned—Max Domi, David Kampf, or Bobby McMann. It wouldn’t likely be all three, but to make the money work, the Blues would need to take back someone. That said, it doesn’t make a ton of sense for the Maple Leafs to part with major future assets when they could try to find a workaround.

Should the #LeafsForever target Colton Parayko at the trade deadline?@RealKyper, @jtbourne & @SamAMcKee discuss what the #StlBlues defenceman would cost and what the Leafs should be willing to give up.

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There are other options beyond Minten and Cowan. Players like Ben Danford, Nick Robertson, Dennis Hildeby, and Topi Niemelä could interest the Blues. A trade package for Parayko would also need to include draft capital, which is something the Maple Leafs are already thin on. Treliving would likely feel comfortable trading their first-round pick in 2026 and possibly another in 2027 or 2028 if needed. Ideally, there would be conditions on a 2027 or 2028 pick to give them a chance to retain it. Nevertheless, Treliving should be open to moving one or two first-rounders if it means keeping prospects who are close to becoming everyday contributors.

Colton Parayko, St. Louis Blues (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

Another factor is replacing any player they move. If they trade Kampf or Domi, they would need to add another center. It has been widely speculated that the Maple Leafs are actively searching for a third-line center, so if they send one of them to the Blues, they would need to address that hole. Treliving may be able to work that into the deal and bring back a cheaper center as part of the return.

Parayko Could Be the Next Jake Muzzin

Right now, the Maple Leafs have Chris Tanev and Jake McCabe as their shutdown pairing, which has proven to be one of the best in the NHL. However, since his career-ending injury, they still haven’t been able to find another Jake Muzzin—someone who can shut down top lines while also contributing offensively. Muzzin was consistently good for 25-30 points per season, which is where Parayko could fill that role. His playing style is very similar to the former Maple Leafs defenseman, making this a no-brainer move for Treliving if the price is right.

Imagine a defense core of Morgan Rielly with Parayko, McCabe with Tanev, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson with Simon Benoit—while also having Philippe Myers as the seventh defenseman. That would easily be one of the best blue lines heading into the playoffs.

We all know Treliving is known for working the phones. It’s safe to say he has already discussed the idea of bringing in Parayko with his front office and Armstrong in St. Louis. If the price is right, he needs to get this deal done and bring Parayko home to Toronto for the next five years.