Colton Parayko, the St. Louis Blues' leading defenseman, faces a significant setback as he is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season due to a knee injury sustained during a recent game against the Los Angeles Kings. The injury occurred during a shootout victory, and Blues' GM Doug Armstrong confirmed that Parayko will undergo a surgical procedure with a six-week recovery timeline. This absence comes at a critical time for the Blues, who are currently vying for a playoff spot, sitting just one point behind the final wild-card position in the Western Conference.

Parayko, who averages nearly 24 minutes of ice time per game and has contributed 35 points this season, plays a pivotal role in the team's defense. His loss is likely to strain an already challenged roster as the Blues work to secure their playoff aspirations. With only two days remaining before the end of the regular season, the management will need to assess their options quickly to fill the void left by his absence.