Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Colton Parayko

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Colton Parayko made an impact.

Colton Parayko is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenseman and alternate captain for the St. Louis Blues in the NHL. Raised in St. Albert, Alberta, he played minor hockey before attending the University of Alaska Fairbanks on a scholarship. Initially undrafted, he was selected 86th overall in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft by the Blues. Parayko played three seasons with the Alaska Nanooks, earning All-WCHA First Team and West Second-Team All-American honors, before starting his professional career with the Blues in 2015.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2008: Unselected in WHL Draft

In 2008, Colton Parayko was unselected in the Western Hockey League (WHL) draft, later signing with the Midget AAA St. Albert Flyers.

2009: Joined St. Albert Crusaders U18 AA

In 2009, Colton Parayko joined the St. Albert Crusaders U18 AA, where he recorded 13 points in 33 games.

2011: Went Unselected in NHL Entry Draft

In 2011, Colton Parayko went unselected in the NHL entry draft in his first year of eligibility.

2011: Alaska Nanooks Recruitment

In 2011, after the Oil Barons were defeated, Alaska Nanooks men's ice hockey coach Dallas Ferguson recruited Colton Parayko for the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

October 12, 2012: First Collegiate Goal

On October 12, 2012, Colton Parayko recorded his first collegiate goal in a 3–3 tie against the Air Force Falcons.

2012: Drafted by St. Louis Blues

In 2012, Colton Parayko was selected 86th overall in the NHL entry draft by the St. Louis Blues, despite going undrafted in his first year of NHL eligibility.

2013: Freshman Season

In 2013, during his freshman season, Colton Parayko played collegiate hockey for the University of Alaska Fairbanks in the NCAA Men's Division I Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA).

2014: Remainder of season with Chicago Wolves

In 2014, Colton Parayko was reassigned to the Chicago Wolves to play out the remainder of the 2014-15 season.

March 12, 2015: Signed with St. Louis Blues and Reassigned to Chicago Wolves

On March 12, 2015, Colton Parayko signed a two-year entry-level contract with the St. Louis Blues and was reassigned to their AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves.

October 14, 2015: First NHL Goal

On October 14, 2015, Colton Parayko recorded his first career NHL goals, including the game winner, in a 4–3 victory over the Calgary Flames. He became the first Blues rookie defenceman to record a multi-goal performance since 2000–01.

2015: Began Professional Career

In 2015, Colton Parayko concluded his collegiate career with the Alaska Nanooks and began his professional career within the St. Louis Blues organization.

May 27, 2016: Chosen for Team North America

On May 27, 2016, Colton Parayko was chosen to be a part of Team North America at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey in Toronto.

September 15, 2016: Debut for Team North America

On September 15, 2016, Colton Parayko made his debut for Team North America against Team Finland, recording two assists and earning the First Star of the Game.

2016: Competed at the World Cup of Hockey

In 2016, Colton Parayko competed for Team North America at the World Cup of Hockey.

2016: Blues Qualified for Stanley Cup Playoffs

In 2016, the St. Louis Blues, with Colton Parayko, qualified for the Stanley Cup playoffs, facing the Chicago Blackhawks, Dallas Stars, and San Jose Sharks.

2017: Competed at IIHF World Championship

In 2017, Colton Parayko competed for Team Canada at the IIHF World Championship.

November 30, 2018: Replaced Pietrangelo on Top Defensive Pairing

On November 30, 2018, Colton Parayko was given the responsibility to replace Alex Pietrangelo on the top defensive pairing after Pietrangelo suffered a hand injury.

2019: Won Stanley Cup with Blues

In 2019, Colton Parayko helped lead the St. Louis Blues to win the Stanley Cup against the Boston Bruins, recording two goals and 10 assists in 26 games during the postseason.