St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong may be considering a significant roster shakeup as the team struggles to replicate last season's playoff success. Amidst a disappointing 19-22-8 record, sitting sixth in the Central Division, rumors have emerged that the Blues are gauging the market for their star center, Robert Thomas.
Thomas, 26, is in the third year of an eight-year contract with a $8 million average annual value, making him an attractive asset for teams seeking a top-line center with offensive upside and responsible two-way play. Here are three potential destinations for Thomas if the Blues decide to move on from the former 80-point producer.
1. Carolina Hurricanes: The Hurricanes are in the top spot in the Eastern Conference and are looking to separate themselves from teams like Detroit, Tampa Bay and Montreal. Carolina has been a consistent contender in recent years but has yet to reach the Stanley Cup Final. Adding a player of Thomas' caliber could provide the boost they need. The Hurricanes have been unafraid of making big moves in the past, acquiring players like Mikko Rantanen and Jake Guentzel in recent years. While Logan Stankoven, 22, shows promise as a second-line center, his offensive production hasn't fully materialized. Thomas' arrival could increase the second line's production and allow Stankoven to develop further.
2. Boston Bruins: Despite expectations of a rebuilding year, the Bruins are surprisingly in contention for a wild-card spot. To bolster their playoff push, they were reportedly interested in acquiring Rasmus Andersson, indicating their willingness to add impactful players. The Bruins are in search of offensive talent to complement David Pastrnak. Acquiring Thomas would provide Pastrnak with a high-end playmaker and solidify the Bruins' top-six forward group. However, acquiring Thomas would require parting with significant assets, potentially including prospects like Mason Lohrei and Matthew Poitras.
3. Los Angeles Kings: The Kings are another team that is rumored to be in the market for offensive help. While they have a solid core of veterans, they could use an injection of youth and skill. Thomas would fit in well with their group and provide a boost to their offense.
While there's no guarantee that the Blues will trade Thomas, the fact that they are listening to offers suggests that they are open to the possibility. A trade involving Thomas would likely be a significant one, with the Blues seeking a substantial return in terms of draft picks, prospects, and/or young players. It remains to be seen whether a deal will materialize before the trade deadline, but the possibility of Thomas being on the move is sure to generate plenty of interest around the league.
