NHL Trade Deadline and Robert Thomas
As the NHL approaches its trade deadline, chatter around St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas is intensifying. Currently, the Blues find themselves at the bottom of the Central Division and second-to-last in the Western Conference, prompting the organization to explore the possibility of trading some of their seasoned players, including Thomas.
Interest from the Montreal Canadiens
According to various sources, including Marco D’Amico of RG.org, the Montreal Canadiens have shown significant interest in acquiring Thomas. Previous negotiations between the two teams stalled due to the Blues’ high asking price. Recently, it was reported that St. Louis is seeking a return that could equate to four first-round draft picks, a rise from earlier estimates of three.
Comparisons to Past Trades
Sportsnet’s Eric Engels commented on a recent episode of The Sick Podcast, likening the potential deal for Thomas to the trade between the Vancouver Canucks and Minnesota Wild involving star defenseman Quinn Hughes.
That deal saw the Canucks receive a collection of notable prospects and draft picks, and a similar transaction could hinge on Montreal’s willingness to part with prized assets. There’s speculation that Blues’ GM Doug Armstrong may demand high-potential prospects, including Michael Hage, if a trade were to materialize.
Michael Hage’s Potential
Hage, who the Canadiens moved up in the draft to select, has emerged as a noteworthy player, posting impressive point totals in the NCAA and leading the recent World Junior Championship scoring charts. The Canadiens are reportedly hesitant to let go of Hage given his promising trajectory.
Thomas’s Performance and Trade Considerations
While Thomas, 26, has established himself as a reliable center with a series of impressive scoring seasons (over 80 points in two previous seasons), he is currently not performing at his peak, mirroring the struggles of his team.
The Canadiens are now at a crossroads: parting ways with Hage may grant them the chance to secure Thomas, but with the uncertainty of Hage’s potential in the NHL, this decision remains complex. Historical context suggests that stellar junior performances do not always translate to NHL success—as seen with players like Ryan Poehling, who shone in the juniors but currently plays on a less impactful role in the league.
Additional Assets at Stake
In the event the Canadiens opt to pursue Thomas, it may not just be Hage that they risk losing; additional assets from their prospect pool, potentially including Oliver Kapanen or David Reinbacher, might also be on the table. However, key prospects such as Ivan Demidov, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Cole Caufield may be regarded as untouchable.
General manager Kent Hughes would need to navigate this challenging scenario carefully to reinforce his team without depleting their future potential.
