St Louis could hold the final piece of the puzzle for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the key is shaped like a 6'6 piece of human steel.
When St. Louis drafted Colton Parayko, the fan base was excited for the possible second coming of Chris Pronger or Al MacInnis as they saw a giant shutdown defender with a heavy slapper in their future. While he's been crucial to a Blues team that is only a few years removed from a Stanley Cup, it's clear much like the Leafs; a change in mentality has occurred leading to some trade speculation for Parayko per The Fourth Period's article: Summer Trade Watch 2024
''Parayko's name continues to swirl around the trade winds, as it has for the last two seasons. He has a full NTC and five more years left on his current contract. It'll take a big deal, and his approval, to make something happen, but the Blues are exploring their options and seem set on moving at least one of their defenseman this off-season.''
The Leafs could use someone with the skillset of Parayko, not only on the ice but the intimidation factor he provides. He won't light up the scoresheet but when he's crushing the opposition against the boards, or shutting them down he can let the forwards and more offensive-minded players take control. If he opens the ice, that just means more room to play with.
He's going to cost a hefty penny though, as he's signed throughout the 2030 season and is going to be making 6.5M a year; not to mention he is going to be 37 by the time his contract is over which could dissuade the Leafs from acquiring him. If they were to throw out an offer; perhaps Nick Robertson and a pick or two could poke the bear sitting in St. Louis.
