The rumor mill continues to grind for the St. Louis Blues this NHL trade deadline season. The Blues reportedly have a deal in place for Colton Parayko with the Buffalo Sabres.
However, that may not be the only big trade going down in the coming 40 hours or so. Another big name long-rumored to be on the move is Robert Thomas. In particular, the winner of those sweepstakes figures to be the Utah Mammoth.
Yes, that’s right. A Blues Central Division rival. This unthinkable trade could go down, considering how much the Mammoth are willing to pay up.
According to insider David Pagnotta, the Blues are pushing to get Utah’s top prospect, Caleb Desnoyers. Desnoyers was the fourth-overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. The 18-year-old is currently playing with the Moncton Wildcast of the QMJHL, scoring 18 goals and 65 points in 37 games.
The Mammoth did not hesitate to pick him when they had the chance, as he projects to be a top-line center. The 18-year-old has size at 6’2” and 179 pounds. That’s considering he’s still a teenager and developing.
His play drew attention at the World Junior Championships this year. Desnoyers tallied six assists in seven games. While he didn’t score a goal, he’s regarded as a premier playmaker and a savvy two-way player.
He could be a very good replacement for Thomas if Desnoyers can fulfill his potential.
Elite Prospects dropped this tantalizing scouting report:
“Constantly involving teammates in his play, Desnoyers bases his transition game on short passes, give-and-gos, and delay plays. He connects with teammates in all directions, displaying advanced precision and awareness at 5-on-5, as well as a high level of deception on the power play, attacking downhill, challenging defenders, and threading passes across and to the far post.”
That reads like an elite playmaker. He’s lived up to the hype thus far and wouldn’t be a bad return for Thomas at all. Desnoyers could be part of a massive package that would likely include a first-round pick and potentially multiple later-round picks.
It’s worth noting the Mammoth have three second-round and two third-round picks in the 2026 NHL Draft. So, it wouldn’t be a stretch to see Desnoyers come with a first, second, and third-round pick.
Such a return could make this entire Robert Thomas situation worthwhile for the Mammoth.
By the way, the Mammoth also have a reported deal in place for Mackenzie Weegar of the Calgary Flames. So, the Mammoth may need to clear up some cap space to fit Thomas’ contract under their cap ceiling. That situation might mean another interesting piece coming back to St. Louis.