The Buffalo Sabres have agreed to a blockbuster trade for St. Louis Blues defenseman Colton Parayko, pending his waiver of a no-trade clause. This move comes as the Sabres position themselves as buyers ahead of the March 6 trade deadline, aiming to end a 14-year playoff drought. Meanwhile, talks for Blues center Robert Thomas have ended without a deal.
The Buffalo Sabres, sitting second in the Atlantic Division and third in the Eastern Conference, are pushing to secure their first playoff appearance since 2011. On March 4, 2026, sources reported that the Sabres and Blues have reached an agreement to send veteran defenseman Colton Parayko to Buffalo, though the 32-year-old must waive his no-trade clause for the deal to proceed. Blues insider Andy Strickland noted on Real Kyper and Bourne that Parayko has yet to decide on waiving the clause.
Parayko, a six-foot-six right-shot defenseman, is an 11-year NHL veteran who helped the Blues win the Stanley Cup in 2019. He recently earned a silver medal with Team Canada at the Olympics. This season, he has recorded one goal and 14 points in 58 games, following career highs of 16 goals and 36 points last year. The Blues, 14 points out of a playoff spot and near the bottom of the Western Conference, are sellers as the deadline approaches on March 6 at 3 p.m. ET.
Earlier discussions between the teams centered on acquiring Blues center Robert Thomas, but those talks have stalled. TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger reported that the Sabres offered the equivalent of four first-round picks, including prospects and a roster player, but the Blues demanded three to four premium assets for the 26-year-old, who is signed through 2030-31 at $8.125 million annually and has 12 goals and 35 points in 43 games this season. Dreger added that the Sabres have also explored defensemen, with Justin Faulk and Parayko mentioned as right-shot options.
While some analysts caution against pursuing Parayko due to his contract extending through 2029-30 and high cap hit, the Sabres view him as a potential addition to bolster their blue line, where the top four has shouldered most minutes. The team recently defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 3-2, adding momentum to their deadline activity.
