The search for a defensive anchor in Boston has led Don Sweeney to the Gateway City.

According to Anthony Di Marco, the Boston Bruins and head coach Marco Sturm have placed Colton Parayko at the top of their trade deadline wishlist.

This isn't a new infatuation. Reports suggest the Bruins have liked the St. Louis Blues defenseman for quite some time, and with the March 6 deadline looming, the stars might finally be aligning for a blockbuster deal.

Anthony Di Marco: Among the players the Bruins could have interest in...Colton Parayko is one among them; sounds like someone Boston has liked for a while - Daily Faceoff (2/27)

Standing 6-foot-6, Parayko is the prototypical heavy-minutes defender the Bruins have missed since the departure of Zdeno Chara. He brings an elite reach and a championship pedigree that would immediately transform Sturm's top-four pairings.

The Bruins currently sit 5th in the Atlantic Division with 71 points. While their offensive output has been steady, the defensive structure has occasionally wavered during high-pressure road trips.

Adding a right-shot veteran would provide the "solid execution" needed to survive the Eastern Conference gauntlet.

Parayko is currently locked into a long-term deal with a $6.5 million cap hit that runs through 2030. For Sweeney, this isn't just a rental move; it's an investment in a blue line that needs more size and stability.

What will the Blues demand for Colton Parayko?

A deal would almost certainly start with a first-round pick and likely involve a young NHL-ready roster player. Names like Mason Lohrei or Matthew Poitras could be part of the conversation if Sweeney decides to go all-in on his defensive needs.

Parayko has been a horse this season, averaging over 23 minutes of ice time while maintaining a positive rating on a struggling Blues squad.

His ability to kill penalties and shut down opposition-controlled entries makes him a "game-changer" for a Bruins team eyeing a deep run.

With only four days left until the 3:00 PM cutoff, negotiations are expected to intensify. Sweeney has been cautious so far, but landing a player of Parayko's stature would be the "bump" this locker room deserves.