How can the team restructure as Robert Thomas leaves Blues catastrophic loss with an injury

The St. Louis Blues got off to a fantastic start against the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday, but ultimately blew the game. After getting an early 4-0 lead mid-way through the second period, the opposition would come all the way back and tack on two more goals on top to beat the Blues 6-4. 

After more line shuffling, the Blues “new” top-line of  Robert Thomas, Jake Neighbours, and Jimmy Snuggerud was buzzing. The wingers had already established themselves as solid players this season, but Thomas had seemingly broken out of his shell that had been holding him back this year. 

It would only last for a little while, as Thomas went down with an injury in the third period. Currently, there is no further information other than that it is an Upper-Body Injury, and it is unclear how it happened or if he will miss any time. 

How can the Blues restructure their lineup, with their first line center possibly out of action? 

Replacing Thomas?

The easy answer is for Pius Suter to be moved up to center both Snuggerud and Neighbours. Because of the constant line shuffling, No. 22 has seen action with both of those players on a number of occasions. With a little bit more shifts then he would have gotten on the second and third line center spots, Suter could make an impact.

The next option is to slide up captain Brayden Schenn. Schenn has had a rough go of it this season, currently at a -10 on the year with a goal and two assists. That -10 is tied for the absolute worst in all of the NHL. Replacing Thomas on that top-line is no easy task, as he is the best player on this team, but Schenn is also the sole leader on this squad. It is his responsibility to slide in where needed and lead this team back from the brink.

No matter who they throw in that spot on the first line, their impact will not be the same as Thomas. It has been a slow start to the season, but with two assists before going out in the loss to Detroit, it seemed like he was getting that confidence back in his game. This spin-o-rama assist proved that.

The injury bug has hit the Blues hard this season, as it is really still getting started. The hope here is that Thomas is not seriously hurt and won't miss any time at all.