Robert Thomas Undergoes Minor Leg Procedure, Eyes Post-Olympic Return
The St. Louis Blues will be without their top center for a little while longer, but there’s a plan in place - and it’s one the team believes will pay off in the long run.
Robert Thomas, who hasn’t suited up since January 10 against the Vegas Golden Knights, underwent a minor procedure on his leg and is expected to return after the Winter Olympic break. The Blues confirmed the news Saturday night following their 5-3 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Thomas had been dealing with the injury since December 31, when he was initially hurt in a game against the Colorado Avalanche. Remarkably, he didn’t miss any time right away and kept pushing through it. But after logging 42 games this season - and leading the team with 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists) - the discomfort became too much to ignore.
“The consensus was that in the end if he gets this done, it would be the best thing long term instead of trying to manage it,” head coach Jim Montgomery said after Saturday’s game. “I think it was just becoming a nuisance to him. It’s no fun every time that you take a stride and you have pain.”
That last part says it all. For a player like Thomas, whose game is built on skating, vision, and puck distribution, any lingering leg issue is going to take a toll - not just physically, but on his ability to impact the game the way he’s used to. And while he’s been out of the lineup for nine games now, the Blues clearly took the cautious - and smart - route by opting for a procedure now with the Olympic break on the horizon.
The timeline sets up well. With a few weeks of built-in recovery time, Thomas could return refreshed for the stretch run, when the Blues will need their top playmaker firing on all cylinders.
For now, the Blues will have to lean on depth and adaptability down the middle. But make no mistake - getting Thomas back healthy after the break could be one of the biggest additions the team makes all season.