Observations:

May 2016 – Another young Blues player who had a huge impact this year. Parayko may not put up the points that a Shayne Gostibehere, but he just might be a better overall player. He seems to distance himself from other young defensemen with blocked shots, hits, and a strong plus/minus, all the while putting plenty of rubber on net. Look for him to maintain a top four role next season. If he could find more power play time his value would skyrocket. Matt Kowalski

November 2015 – If fantasy owners didn't act quick, it's likely they missed out on snatching up young defensive gem Colton Parayko who has collected four goals and seven points in only 11 games as a rookie blueliner. Those totals lead all first year defensemen two months into the season. Brendan Ross

October 2015 – Parayko had a tremendous camp and preseason to earn him a spot on the Blues starting roster. It is quite impressive the progress that he has made over the past two years to earn him a spot on the 2015 roster. He played the first two games of the season and has played very well on the third pairing. His play during the second game of the season had the beat writers boasting about his ability. It sure looks like Parayko is going to be a big time player in the NHL. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on this huge, rugged defenseman. He is even logging minutes on the second power play unit, so if he ever is promoted to a top four role, his value could increase significantly. Over the first two games his fantasy numbers haven't been there, but Hitchcock really likes his game, so stay tuned. Matt Kowalski

October 2015 – There were a lot of pats on the back for Colton Parayko after an excellent main camp forcing the Blues management to include him on the starting day rosters. The big defender has been paired with fellow youngster Joel Edmundson and the two have impressed earning tough minutes early in their careers. Parayko's puck moving ability has shone early and it appears that powerplay time will soon follow as he doesn't look out of place handling the puck. Brendan Ross

May 2015 – Parayko continues to be one of the better players in the Blues pipeline, and has largely gone unnoticed. The Blues fans have certainly taken notice to him though, and he has generated some buzz with the organization. He played three very solid seasons at the University of Alaska Fairbanks as a top pairing defensemen, even in his freshman season. He just finished his junior season, by playing big minutes and showing some offensive production. Colton was near the team lead in points each year scoring 26 points in 2013-14 and 23 points in 34 games this past season (2014-15). He played for Chicago Wolves after his collegiate season. He was outstanding during his shortened season with the Wolves. Colton earned seven points in 17 games and provided a much needed boost to the team that propelled them to the postseason. Parayko is gigantic who is physically ready for the NHL and he has a great shot always making his presence known on the ice. Hitchcock compared his skating to Tyler Myers, so the skill is there. It will be interesting to see what the Blues do with some of their defensemen this offseason, there could be some openings but with Lindbohm and Schmaltz looming, Parayko will likely start next season in AHL. Matt Kowalski

Fantasy Outlook: B+

Parayko is a well-rounded defenseman who has offensive upside, but will also contribute with solid BLKS and plus/minus numbers.

Footage:

Parayko shows off his versatility with a smooth backhand goal:

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