Robert Thomas is heading back to the injured reserve list with a lower-body injury and will be re-evaluated in two weeks. This is a huge blow to the St. Louis Blues, and it could be the final straw that breaks the camel's back on the 2025-26 season.
These next two weeks are going to feature some tough opponents, including some teams that are directly in front of the Blues in the wildcard picture. Every game and every point is crucial and cannot be missed.
There are still some solid players, though having been dormant this season, that can step up and help this team survive this grueling gauntlet. Here are the three top candidates who can do their part to mirror the impact that Thomas brings.
Jonatan Berggren
After Jonatan Berggren was signed off of waivers, he came to St. Louis with a whirlwind of energy and competitiveness. But, lately, he has slipped a bit and his impact has been marginal instead of extroadinary. Over his last nine games, he has only been able to contribute a single goal whilst averaging nearly 15 minutes of ice time per night.
With a contract extension in the balance, every game is important for his next paycheck. Can he turn it around now without No. 18 on the ice?
Jimmy Snuggerud
The Blues' future is here with Jimmy Snuggerud and Dalibor Dvorsky giving a look into the crystal ball against the Hurricanes. Snuggerud has always been revered for his incredible goal-scoring, and he has shown small samples this season. There is a high-expectation for him to compete with Jordan Kyrou for the goal-leader every season, and with seven goals in 2025-26, he is not too far off from the team-lead of 11.
Snuggerud has to step up now without his center in Thomas, who is the best playmaker on this roster. With more responsibility on his stick, can he help rally the Blues to some big wins?
Jordan Kyrou
Speaking of Kyrou, this season has been very slow for No. 25. Injuries and a banching has stalled his season numerous times, and he has not been able to get himself going. With only a. measly eight goals on the season, he could reach a career-low since becoming a full-time NHLer in 2020-21.
Kyrou is usually always in the spotlight, but with Thomas out, he is the most important player on this team now. The time is now to prove he is worth holding on to.