The Buffalo Sabres’ first attempt to add a veteran defenseman before the NHL trade deadline fell apart after Colton Parayko declined to approve the move.
According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, Parayko invoked the no-movement clause in his contract, preventing a deal that would have sent the St. Louis Blues defenseman to Buffalo. The teams had reportedly been finalizing an agreement Wednesday, but the trade required the 32-year-old to waive his protection.
Buffalo was expected to send prospect Radim Mrtka and a first-round draft pick to St. Louis in exchange for the right-handed blueliner. Once Parayko refused to waive the clause, negotiations between the clubs ended and he will remain with the Blues.
Parayko is signed for four more seasons with a $6.5 million salary cap hit. His contract includes a full no-movement clause through the 2028-29 season, when it converts to a 15-team no-trade list, according to PuckPedia.
The veteran defenseman has recorded 14 points in 58 games this season after scoring 16 goals in 2024-25. While his offensive production has dipped, Parayko remains known as a reliable shutdown defender. He represented Canada at the Winter Olympics in February and also appeared in last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off.
Buffalo has been active in trade discussions this week as it looks to strengthen its roster during a playoff push. The Sabres are currently two points behind the Tampa Bay Lightning for the Atlantic Division lead and are aiming to end the NHL’s longest active playoff drought at 14 seasons.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].