Things haven’t gone according to plan in St. Louis.
After a late-season surge last year earned the Blues a playoff spot under new head coach Jim Montgomery, the momentum hasn’t carried over. Now, with the team struggling to stay afloat in the playoff race, general manager Doug Armstrong may be forced to shift gears - from hopeful contender to trade deadline seller.
The Blues currently sit at 19-22-8, sixth in the Central Division and five points out of a wild card spot. On paper, that’s not an insurmountable gap.
But when you factor in the six teams ahead of them in the wild card chase, the math starts to work against them. The hill is steep, and the clock is ticking.
That brings us to a surprising development: According to Darren Dreger on the Barn Burner podcast, the Blues might be open to exploring the market for 26-year-old center Robert Thomas. Yes, that Robert Thomas - the former 80-point playmaker who’s become the heartbeat of St. Louis’ offense.
If Armstrong is truly willing to listen on Thomas, expect phones to start ringing across the league. A young, skilled center with top-line upside and years of control doesn’t hit the market often. And for teams looking to make a serious push - both now and in the future - Thomas could be a franchise-altering addition.
Let’s take a closer look at three teams that should be all-in on the opportunity.
Boston Bruins: A Bold Swing for a Team on the Rise
The Bruins have been one of the more intriguing stories this season. Entering the year, many expected Boston to take a step back - maybe even flirt with the draft lottery. Instead, they’ve stayed in the thick of the playoff race and nearly pulled off a deal for Rasmus Andersson to bolster their blue line.
That near-move revealed something important: Boston is ready to deal. They reportedly dangled promising young players like Mason Lohrei and Matthew Poitras in those talks - two names that Jim Montgomery knows well from his time behind the Bruins’ bench.
It’s unclear how much Montgomery’s presence in St. Louis would factor into trade talks, especially if his future with the team is uncertain.
But regardless, the Bruins have the assets to make a deal happen - and the motivation. They’ve been hunting for another dynamic offensive piece to pair with David Pastrnak, and Thomas could be the answer.
It won’t come cheap. A package centered around Lohrei, Poitras, and additional picks or prospects would likely be the starting point. But for a team that’s already made strong moves to restock the pipeline, going big for a top-line center could be the kind of bet that pays off for years to come.
Washington Capitals: Win-Now and Win-Later
The Capitals are walking a tightrope between two timelines: chasing one more Cup with Alexander Ovechkin, and building a foundation for life after No. 8. Adding Robert Thomas would help on both fronts.
Washington has hit a bit of a skid lately - just four wins in their last 10 - but they’re still in the mix. They’re only three points out of a wild card spot and just one point behind Pittsburgh for third in the Metro. In other words, they’re right there.
Thomas would give the Caps a legitimate top-six center who fits both the current core and the next wave. Imagine a center group of Thomas, Dylan Strome, and Pierre-Luc Dubois - or slide Dubois to the wing and suddenly you’ve got a top-six that can go toe-to-toe with anyone in the East.
For Ovechkin, it’s a chance to load up for one more run. For the organization, it’s a long-term investment in a player who can help carry the torch when the face of the franchise eventually steps away.
That’s a rare blend, and it makes Washington a natural fit if St. Louis opens the door.
Buffalo Sabres: Time to Make a Statement
The Sabres have been hovering on the edge of the playoff picture for what feels like forever. This season, they’ve shown flashes - especially since December 23, when they joined the Atlantic Division’s top six in terms of performance. But with the division as stacked as it is, standing still could mean falling behind.
Enter Robert Thomas.
Buffalo has the assets, the cap space, and the long-term vision to make a move like this. The Atlantic isn’t getting any easier, and with teams like Florida, Toronto, and Boston all pushing hard, the Sabres need to keep pace. Thomas wouldn’t just help them this year - he’d be a foundational piece for the next five.
It’s a bold move, no doubt. But GM Jarmo Kekalainen is reportedly looking to make a splash, and this would qualify. Thomas fits the Sabres’ timeline perfectly and could be the kind of addition that finally gets them over the hump.
The Bottom Line
If the Blues decide to sell, Robert Thomas instantly becomes one of the most valuable names on the market. He’s young, productive, and under contract - the kind of player teams build around, not trade away.
But in a season that hasn’t gone to plan, tough decisions may be on the horizon in St. Louis.
Whether it’s Boston swinging big, Washington going all-in for Ovechkin’s final chapters, or Buffalo making a long-overdue leap, the interest will be there. Now it’s up to the Blues to decide whether they’re ready to listen.