6-Foot-6 Stanley Cup Champion Defenseman Could Join Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs might be eyeing a big addition to their blue line – and we mean that literally. St. Louis Blues defenseman Colton Parayko, who stands at an imposing 6-foot-6 and 230 pounds, has caught Toronto’s attention.

Sportsnet’s Justin Bourne reports that the Leafs are interested in the 31-year-old defender, who’s been putting up impressive numbers this season.

“He’s a tremendous defender who can also skate and shoot the puck,” Bourne says. “He’s got 13 goals on the season after 10 last year, and he makes just $6.5 million.”

Those 13 goals, along with 17 assists in 57 games, show he’s still playing at a top-pairing level even at 31.

There’s a familiar face connection too – bringing Parayko to Toronto would reunite him with former head coach Craig Berube, who led them to a Stanley Cup together in 2019.

But there’s a catch. Actually, a couple of them.

The biggest hurdle? His contract runs until 2030, when he’ll be 37 years old. That’s a long commitment for the Leafs, who already have quite a bit of money tied up in their aging defense.

Even if St. Louis retains some salary, it’s a pretty big gamble on a player who might only deliver top-level performance for half of his remaining contract.

Speaking of St. Louis – they don’t seem too eager to deal. While Toronto keeps asking about Parayko, earlier reports suggest the Blues aren’t particularly interested in moving him.

The Leafs have been connected to just about every forward on the trade market, but their defense needs help too. Parayko could be the answer – if they can make it work.

It’s looking like the riskiest option out there for Toronto, but potentially the most rewarding one too. Sometimes the biggest risks bring the biggest rewards.