By the Numbers: From 3rd Round Draft Pick to St. Louis Blues Stanley Cup Pillar—The Rise of #55
Every hockey town has that one jersey number that just feels “safe”. It’s not necessarily the one scoring fifty goals a year, but it’s the one you want on the ice when your team is up by a goal with two minutes left. For the St. Louis Blues, that number is “55”. Since he first pulled on the Blues jersey, Colton Parayko has turned number “55” into a symbol of pure reliability.
From 3rd Round Draft Pick to 765+ Games (and Counting)
When Colton Parayko broke into the league in 2015, he caught many off guard. Drafted in the 3rd round (#86 overall) in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, the 6’6” defenseman has proven to be more than an effective defender in the d-zone; his booming shot and effortless stride have helped make him an instant fan favourite in St. Louis.
But the real magic of number “55” isn't just the physical tools—it's the stamina. We’re talking about a guy who has suited up for over 765 games in a Blues sweater. In an era where some players have been found to bounce from team to team for the highest paycheck, Parayko’s loyalty to St. Louis has made number “55” feel like a permanent part of the Enterprise Center’s DNA.
Contract Extension: In early-September 2021, Colton Parayko signed an 8-year, $52 million contract extension.
The 2019 Stanley Cup Factor
Let’s be honest: you can’t talk about number “55” without talking about 2019. That Stanley Cup run was grueling. It was "heavy" hockey at its finest, and—clearly—Parayko was a major part of the St. Louis “engine room”. That Stanley Cup championship didn't just give him a ring; it gave number “55” a legacy. When fans see that number today, they don’t just see a defenseman—they see the skill, grit, and pure determination that ended a 52-year wait for a Stanley Cup championship in St. Louis.
· Cool Fact: In late-December 2025, Parayko was named to Team Canada's roster set to compete at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Project 55: A True Leader in the Shadows
Seemingly, Colton Parayko isn't the type of player to give a Hollywood locker room speech. He leads by showing up, being consistent, and willingly doing the tough work. Off the ice, Parayko is doing his part to make a difference, as well—his Project 55 initiative keeps that same energy, quietly supporting local families without needing a camera crew following him around.
Project 55—Additional Information: Project 55 is a non-profit organization aiming to bring comfort and relief to hospitalized children and their families by alleviating emotional, physical and financial burdens.
In the end, jersey number “55” matters in St. Louis (and across the entire hockey community) because it illuminates trust in the game of hockey. It’s the jersey of a player who stayed and who became an assistant captain, a player who won, and a player who still gives everything for the St. Louis Blues organization—both on and off the ice.