With the Blues having sold off multiple pieces at the deadline, the team is officially moving to the next step of their rebuild. They are now looking in-house to identify the core pieces moving forward. Who, if anyone, can step up their game and be players the Blues can build their roster around? Two players who everyone believes can be this are Robert Thomas and Jimmy Snuggerud. Both players are under 27 and have shown flashes this season.
Not only have these two shown flashes, but they have also started to develop chemistry together. Over the past three games, this pair has helped create four goals for the Blues. This production has helped the Blues win two of their last three games. It's a sign that having these two together will help the Blues win the game and be more competitive. But where does this new line combination fit in the long-term plans of the Blues?
Jimmy Snuggerud and Robert Thomas can be a fixture of the Blues top six
This is not the first time this season that these two have played together. The two have been in the same line in 19 games this season and have had less-than-ideal results. According to Moneypuck, the line of Snuggerud, Thomas, and Pavel Buchnevich has a 38.1 xGoals% and a 1.8 xGoals For Per 60 Minutes. While these numbers are not great, you can chalk it up to the two of them getting accustomed to each other.
Now that the two have gotten used to each other and have seemingly turned a corner, we should expect those numbers to drastically improve. We should see them spend the rest of the season on the top line together and continue to be the main drivers on offense. Regardless of who the third member of that line is, these two will be the offensive generators. They are going to be setting each other up and scoring at a higher rate than everyone else.
Although there are rumors that Thomas will be traded this summer, if these two continue their hot streak, that would be a mistake. Snuggerud and Thomas could easily be the top line for the next Blues playoff run. One of the hardest things to find is two guys who have a connection. It's not something that can be forced and can only happen naturally. Once players have that, you have to build around that and use it to your advantage.
There is also the chance that at this point, Snuggerud only plays better with Thomas. If Thomas is gone, it could negatively impact Snuggerud's development. His recent hot streak has coincided with playing more with Thomas. It is possible without him; Snuggerud starts struggling again, which stunts his development. This would have a negative impact on the Blues' rebuild regardless of the return. It is smarter to keep these two together to give Snuggerud the best chance at developing.
While it's only been a few games, this could be the start of something special for the Blues. We could be seeing the ground work for the Blues next core.