Colton Parayko: From Alaska to Calder Candidate

Colton Parayko was born on May 12th, 1993 in St.Albert, Alberta, and is one of the feel good stories early into the 2015-16 NHL season. This talented defenseman was drafted in the 3rd round 86th overall at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft by the St.Louis Blues. Parayko was playing for AJHL’s Fort McMurray Oil Barons at the time.

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Following his draft year, Colton Parayko committed to college hockey playing for University of Alaska-Fairbanks, where he spent three seasons. In his last year, he captained the Nanooks, adding 26 points in 37 games from the back-end. The college hockey route is becoming a more popular route nowadays, although coming from Alaska is still increasingly rare. The only two note-worthy names for Nanooks alumini are Aaron Voros and Chad Johnson. It’s not a program known for developing high-end talent, or NHL talent in general.

Oct 8, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Matt Hendricks (23) and St. Louis Blues defenseman Colton Parayko (55) exchange words during the first period at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Colton Parayko played a short-stint with AHL Chicago at the end of 2014-15, appearing in 17 games, adding 7 points. Heading into the new season, Parayko was rated the #10 prospect in St.Louis by The Hockey News.

The 6’5 215lbs defenseman was on the radar for hockey experts going into 2015-16, but no one expected him to crack a spot with the big club out of training camp. He’s already got nine points in 13 games with the Blues, and is making a case for his name on the Calder Trophy.

For those unfamiliar with Colton Parayko, he’s a very big boy who was often criticized for his skating ability, but actually moves quite well for his massive frame. Certain details such as his pivots and acceleration could use improvement, but he’s still 22 and has lots of time to develop the details of his game.

Oct 13, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; St. Louis Blues defenseman Colton Parayko (55) passes the puck against the Calgary Flames during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. St. Louis Blues won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

On the upside, he’s a big strong physical defenseman who likes to use the body. He’s tough on the puck, and generally makes good passes/decisions with the puck. Parayko does possess an excellent shot in general. He has an outstanding quick release when he needs to get a shot off quickly, and has an excellent wrist shot. He’s got an even harder slap shot from the point, that may be able to compare with players such as Shea Weber and Zdeno Chara.

Next: The NHL's New Calder Class

The injury to Connor McDavid changes the landscape of the Calder Trophy, because he may not have enough games played at season’s end to garner enough consideration. The big names being thrown around are Max Domi, Dylan Larkin, Nikolaj Ehlers, and Jack Eichel. But let’s not forget that defenseman Aaron Ekblad won the trophy last season. Colton Parayko looks to make a case for back-to-back defenseman winning the Calder Trophy in 2015-16.