The Athletic has published the latest installment of its Matchmaker series, focusing this time on St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas. Thomas has been gaining significant attention in trade rumors, with many reports suggesting that his value is quite high. The Blues are expecting a substantial return on him, given his young age and current contract. At just 26 years old, Thomas is signed for $8.125 million annually through 2031, and he has established himself as a top-tier No. 1 center. While many NHL teams would be interested in acquiring him, the main obstacle lies in meeting the steep trade price.
Today, journalists James Myrtle and Chris Johnston from The Athletic envisioned ideal trade scenarios for Thomas. Johnston speculates that the Los Angeles Kings could be a potential fit, as they’re willing to take bold steps and believe they have a team capable of contending for the championship. The Kings recently acquired Artemi Panarin at a relatively low cost, which suggests they have the assets—like their 2026 and 2027 first-round picks, along with prospects and young players—to trade for Thomas. Johnston emphasizes Thomas’s value as a true No. 1 center with several years remaining on his contract, making him a rare and attractive target for contenders.
Myrtle, meanwhile, points to the Carolina Hurricanes as another possible destination. The Hurricanes have shown they’re not hesitant to make trades for top talent, and while they face challenges in retaining players after their contracts end, Thomas’s five-year deal and no-trade clause could make him an ideal fit. With his exceptional vision and two-way game, Thomas could bolster Carolina’s lineup significantly. The Hurricanes still hold a first-round pick from last year’s trade for Rantanen, but convincing the Blues to part with a star like Thomas would require a substantial effort.
Other potential suitors include the Minnesota Wild, who might be willing to trade goaltender Jesper Wohlstedt for a star forward like Thomas, and teams such as the Montreal Canadiens, Detroit Red Wings, and Seattle Kraken, all showing interest in the dynamic center.
The Blues’ high asking prices reflect their recognition of Thomas’s value, and it’s expected they will look to sell at the trade deadline, especially for players like defenseman Justin Faulk as well.
Fan Take: This trade saga underscores how the NHL’s landscape is shifting, with teams eager to make bold moves to build their championship rosters. For hockey fans, these developments add an exciting layer of intrigue—watching a player like Thomas potentially move to a contender could reshape the playoff race and elevate the sport’s competitive drama.
