If the St. Louis Blues are even considering moving Robert Thomas, they’re not doing it lightly - and they’re certainly not doing it cheap.
According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the asking price for the 26-year-old center is sky-high, and for good reason. Thomas isn’t just a core piece of the Blues’ present; he’s a player many teams would love to build around for the future.
Friedman broke it down on the latest 32 Thoughts podcast, and his message was clear: if you’re calling about Robert Thomas, you’d better come with either a blockbuster offer or a younger star ready to step into a top-six role.
“Robert Thomas, that’s an interesting one,” Friedman said. “I’ve spent a few days looking into that.
He’s 26 years old, he’ll be 27 in July. What it sounds like, if the Blues really wanted to do this … you make them say there’s no way we can say no.”
That’s the bar - and it’s a high one. The Blues aren’t shopping Thomas in the traditional sense.
They’re not dangling him to the highest bidder. But if someone comes along with a can't-miss package or a younger version of Thomas himself, they’re at least picking up the phone.
Friedman added that St. Louis is specifically looking for a “stud top-six forward” in that 22-to-24-year-old range - someone who can step in right away and grow with the team’s next core. Think of it as a hockey version of trading in for a newer model: same high-end performance, just a little more runway.
“It’s like leasing a Toyota, Kyle,” Friedman joked. “You finish with one model, then you trade it in for a slightly younger model.” That’s the kind of logic the Blues are reportedly applying to any potential Thomas deal.
What’s important here is that there’s no indication the Blues are actively trying to move Thomas. There’s no shortlist of targets, no whispers of ongoing talks with specific teams. This is all about value - and the Blues know exactly what Thomas is worth to them.
So unless a team comes forward with a younger top-six difference-maker or a trade package so overwhelming that St. Louis simply can’t refuse, Thomas isn’t going anywhere.
The message from the Blues’ front office? We’re open to listening, but only if you’re bringing something big to the table.