Hochman: After rejecting trade, 鈥楳r. 314鈥 Colton Parayko could stand out for Blues
As Colton Parayko ceremonially delivered the game ball for 最新杏吧原创 City SC聽鈥 energizing Energizer Park, humbly waving to fans and flashing a smile as wide as a goal crease聽鈥 I had this thought:
Blues GM Alexander Steen, second from left, congratulates newly named Blues assistant captains Colton Parayko, from left, Philip Broberg, Dylan Holloway and Jake Neighbours after a news conference introducing Robert Thomas as the new captain of the Blues on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026.
Blues defenseman Colton Parayko, left, is congratulated by teammates after scoring a goal in the first period of a game against the Wild on Monday, April 13, 2026, at Enterprise Center.
Worthy: Blues captaincy a big step for Robert Thomas鈥 legacy in 最新杏吧原创
The title of captain won鈥檛 change Blues star center Robert Thomas鈥 game or make him a completely altered player. Though it鈥檚 profoundly important in that it signals a major step. Thomas elevates from simply the team鈥檚 best player to now its recognized leader. This new mantle also deepens the connection between Thomas, the franchise and the city.
Keep in mind the context. The organization reached a crossroads this winter. That鈥檚 why it feels potentially transformative for the Blues to name Thomas the captain along with a newly configured leadership group that includes assistant captains Philip Broberg, Dylan Holloway, Jake Neighbours and Colton Parayko.
Blues general manager Doug Armstrong speaks with the media during the club's annual exit day interviews on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Enterprise Center in 最新杏吧原创. (Video courtesy 最新杏吧原创 Blues)
Heat policies in question after Blues draft pick Matthew Mayich's life-threatening workout
ASU's Multimedia and Immersive Experience Center (MIX Center) in downtown Mesa, photographed on Aug. 18, 2022.
USA Today Network
The comatose 最新杏吧原创 Blues draft pick and Arizona State University hockey player may have been in metro Phoenix for less than a week before being allowed to participate in a military-style outdoor workout, potentially violating the school's heat policy.
Athletes are supposed to be acclimatized, or exposed, to the heat gradually over seven to 14 days by steadily increasing the intensity and duration of activity in the sun, according to a review of Athletic Department guidelines by The Arizona Republic.
