The St. Louis Blues are facing a challenging week ahead as they navigate injuries, trade rumors, and a critical juncture in their season. Here’s a breakdown of the key storylines and schedule for the week of February 2-9, 2026:

Robert Thomas Sidelined

The biggest blow to the Blues is the absence of star center Robert Thomas. Thomas recently underwent a minor leg procedure and is expected to be out until after the Olympic break. He has not played since January 10 and was placed on injured reserve on January 15 due to a lower-body injury. According to coach Jim Montgomery, the decision to proceed with the procedure was made in the best long-term interest of the player, rather than trying to manage the issue. Thomas's absence creates a significant void in the Blues' lineup, as he leads the team with 33 points. He will be re-evaluated in two weeks.

Trade Deadline Looming

With the NHL trade deadline on March 6, General Manager Doug Armstrong is reportedly operating in "seller" mode. With the team sitting near the bottom of the Central Division standings, Armstrong appears open to trading some players. The Olympic break, starting February 6, serves as a soft deadline for teams to assess their rosters, making this week a final audition for players who may be on the trade block.

Veteran Trade Rumors

Defenseman Justin Faulk and forward Brayden Schenn are generating significant interest from other teams. Schenn is being linked to teams seeking center depth, such as the Vegas Golden Knights and the New Jersey Devils, while Faulk is attracting interest for his defensive capabilities. The Blues are reportedly seeking substantial returns for these players.

Despite previous reports suggesting almost everyone was available for trade, it is now being reported that it is unlikely Thomas will be traded before the end of the season. It is now expected that any potential trade for Thomas will occur in the off-season.

Olympic Break

The Blues only have two games this week before the season pauses for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan/Cortina. The NHL season will pause after games on February 5 and will resume in late February. Jordan Binnington and Colton Parayko (Team Canada), Philip Broberg (Team Sweden), Pius Suter (Team Switzerland), and prospect Dalibor Dvorsky (Team Slovakia) are set to participate in the Olympic Games.

This Week's Schedule

Here’s the Blues' schedule for the week: * February 2: @ Nashville Predators, 7:00 PM CT * February 4: @ Dallas Stars, 8:30 PM CT * February 5: Olympic Break begins

Other Injuries and Lineup Notes

• Dylan Holloway is on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain.
• Jake Neighbours is expected to play after missing Saturday's game due to an upper-body injury.
• Pius Suter is on injured reserve with an ankle injury and will be re-evaluated in 4 weeks.

Team Outlook

With Thomas out and key players potentially on the move, the Blues face an uphill battle. The team will need strong performances from its younger players, such as Dalibor Dvorsky and Jimmy Snuggerud, and solid goaltending from Joel Hofer and Jordan Binnington. This week will be a crucial test as the Blues look to navigate a challenging schedule and manage the distractions of the looming trade deadline.