The NHL trade rumor mill is buzzing, and the spotlight is on Robert Thomas from the St. Louis Blues.
At 26, Thomas is navigating a season that’s below his usual high standards, tallying 11 goals and 22 assists in 42 games. Yet, his track record speaks volumes, with 80+ points in each of the last two seasons and a Stanley Cup win from his rookie year in 2018-19.
Acquiring Thomas won't come cheap. The price tag is steep, likely involving at least two first-round picks and a top-tier prospect.
The New York Islanders have shown interest and have the resources to pull off the trade if GM Mathieu Darche finds the terms agreeable. However, the Blues are in no rush to part ways with Thomas, who still has five years left on his contract.
Enter the Utah Mammoth, a team eager to make a splash. While the Islanders have built a solid prospect pool and hold three first-round picks over the next two seasons, the Mammoth might have an even stronger hand. With their own set of first-round picks and three additional second-round picks in the 2026 draft, they’re in a prime position to make a compelling offer.
Mammoth owner Ryan Smith is no stranger to bold moves, whether through free agency or trades, as he aims to establish a winning tradition in Utah. While Darche remains cautious about sacrificing the future, he has indicated a willingness to part with both of this year's first-round picks for the right deal.
As the trade deadline approaches, keep an eye on Thomas. The Mammoth and the Islanders are poised to compete fiercely for his talents, and the outcome could significantly impact both franchises.