St. Louis Blues forward Robert Thomas, a prominent figure in trade discussions, will be sidelined until after the Olympic break due to a leg procedure. The announcement was made on Saturday night, February 1st, 2026. According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, Thomas underwent a procedure on his leg. The team has characterized the procedure as minor.

Thomas has been the Blues' leading scorer this season, notching 11 goals and 22 assists for a total of 33 points. The injury throws a wrench into the Blues' plans as they navigate a challenging season and evaluate their options ahead of the trade deadline. With the team potentially having the third-highest odds at landing the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, they may be looking to make some changes.

Robert Thomas is currently in the third year of an eight-year contract. His offensive capabilities and contract status have made him an attractive asset for teams seeking to bolster their rosters. However, the injury introduces an element of uncertainty for potential suitors.

The NHL's Olympic roster freeze is set for February 4th, putting additional pressure on teams to finalize any trades before transactions halt until February 22nd. This "mini Trade Deadline" adds urgency to the situation, leaving a short window for the Blues to make decisions regarding Thomas and other potential trade pieces.

Other players, such as Mathieu Joseph, may also be on the trading block as the Blues remain open for business. Joseph, currently on injured reserve with an elbow infection, could be acquired for a mid- to late-round pick.