The St. Louis Blues could be facing a difficult decision as trade speculation continues to swirl around Robert Thomas. With the offseason approaching and interest from rival teams growing, the organization may need to rethink its stance sooner rather than later.
Why the Blues Might Reconsider Trading Robert Thomas
The Montreal Canadiens have been mentioned as one of the teams interested in Thomas, who is in the third season of his eight-year, $65 million contract and owns a full no-trade clause.
Reports indicated the Blues set a steep asking price, the equivalent of four first-round assets, including prospect Michael Hage. This ultimately discouraged Montreal from making a serious push.
Since then, Thomas has boosted his value with strong play. He scored a hat trick in a 3-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday and earned Third Star of the Week honors. The performance brought him to 56 points in 58 games this season.
That surge could force the Blues to rethink any offseason trade plans, especially with the team sitting just three points out of a wild-card spot and still in the playoff conversation despite being viewed as a rebuilding club.
NHL analyst Jeremy Rutherford believes the Blues should think carefully before entertaining trade offers.
“I don’t think the Blues should trade Thomas. I feel like most fans want the team to hang onto him, too… But this season is different, to me, because of the injury. Ever since he’s come back from the leg procedure, he looks like the Thomas of old.”
Rutherford also highlighted Thomas’ growing chemistry with young forwards such as Dylan Holloway and Jimmy Snuggerud, noting that removing him from the lineup would leave a major playmaking gap.
He further suggested that Thomas himself has expressed a desire to remain in St. Louis and be part of what he believes is a team closer to competing than many assume. “I can’t speak for the Blues, but you have to think he’s opened their eyes with his play the past two months,” Rutherford added.
While trade speculation hasn’t fully disappeared, Thomas’ recent play may have shifted the conversation. Instead of being viewed as a movable asset in a rebuild, he’s increasingly seen as a foundational piece for the Blues moving forward.
For now, St. Louis will stay focused on the ice. The Blues are set for a rematch against the Avalanche on Tuesday, another opportunity for Thomas to strengthen the case that he belongs at the center of the team’s future.
