Former Nanook Colton Parayko inks 8-year extension with St. Louis Blues

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - From 2012-14, a 6-foot-6 defenseman donning the Captain’s C on his sweater imposed fear into opponents while skating for the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Fans watching Colton Parayko at the Carlson Center at the time may have thought to themselves, ‘this guys is going to be a pro for a long time.’

They would have been right.

On Tuesday, Parayko signed a 8-year, $52 million contract extension with the St. Louis Blues. The former Nanook was set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2021-22 season, but is now locked in as a cornerstone piece for the franchise until 2030.

“I can’t wait to wear the Blue Note for another nine years,” Parayko told stlouisblues.com. “St. Louis has been my home now for six seasons, and this is where I want to be. All the relationships I’ve gained, the teammates I’ve had, and the organization have all had a big impact on me. Winning here in 2019 was special, and I want the chance to stay here and do that again.”

Parayko was a key component to St. Louis’ 2019 Stanley Cup run, dressing for all 26 games and tallying 12 points (two goals, 10 assists) while holding down the blue line for the franchise’s first ever Cup title. The 28-year old was drafted by St. Louis in 2012 before making his NHL debut in 2015.

“We drafted and developed Colton and now having him under contract for the next nine seasons is great for our organization,” said Blues General Manager Doug Armstrong.

One glaring stat can confirm Parayko’s talent and importance to the organization: Since entering the league, Parayko is one of just 10 defensemen with at least 170 points and a plus-50 rating on the ice, according to the NHL.

Ahead of the 2020-21 season, the St. Albert, Alberta-native was named the Assistant Captain of the St. Louis Blues and has suited up in 418 career regular-season games with the franchise, tallying 171 points (41 goals, 130 assists).

As a Nanook, Parayko appeared in 104 games, registering 17 goals and 49 assists for 66 points. The towering defenseman was a two-time Western Collegiate Hockey Association First Team selection, two-time WCHA Defensive Player of the Year honoree and a two-time Second Team All-American. Parayko also completed his bachelor’s degree in business administration from UAF after his rookie season in the NHL.

Parayko will begin his 7th season in the sport’s top league when the Blues visit the Colorado Avalanche October 16.