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Joseph Duszak | D
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Colton Parayko
ON-ICE VALUE
First-Pairing Defenseman
STRENGTHS
Physical Tools: At 6’6” and 230 pounds, Parayko towers over the competition. He also skates faster than Victor Hedman. In other words, he’s the NHL’s preeminent freak of nature. Thanks to his staggering blend of size and speed, he can easily shrug off any opponent in the trenches and fly up and down the ice to affect every phase of the game.
Defense: When he’s in the groove, he’s a modern shutdown defenseman who uses his wheels, long reach and smart angles to smother forwards. His massive frame allows him to lean on or disrupt puck-carriers from virtually anywhere on the ice. Good luck trying to outmuscle him in the slot too.
Shot: Much like Zdeno Chara, he leverages his height and long stick to unleash booming slappers. He possesses one of the more dangerous one-timers among blueliners, as he’s capable of rifling them past goaltenders without any traffic. If there are bodies in front, he does well to get his bids through them.
WEAKNESSES
Durability: Up until recently, Parayko had stayed healthy and anchored the Blues’ back end for several years. However, a back issue significantly hampered him in 2021. Those are often nagging injuries and it remains to be seen if he has fully recovered.
Consistency: His skating and reach allow him to deny exits and entries in his sleep. However, his focus in the defensive zone fluctuates from game to game. Some nights, he seems content to merely be in the vicinity of the action instead of truly imposing his will on opponents.
