Rumors involving St. Louis Blues forward Robert Thomas are not going away. If anything, they keep getting louder.
In a new report by RG Media, Montreal Canadiens insider Marco D’Amico revealed the names Blues GM Doug Armstrong wants in exchange for Thomas.
But first, some brief context. Last week, D’Amico revealed that the Blues and Canadiens had talked about Thomas. However, those talks really haven’t gotten very far yet. “Yet” is the operative word. There is still some ground to cover if a deal is to happen between the Blues and Canadiens.
The sticking point, it seems, revolves around the pieces the Blues want in return for Thomas. Beyond a first-round pick, or multiple ones, and perhaps other depth pieces, the major roadblock is the Blues’ desire for Michael Hage.
The 19-year-old center was a first-round pick of the Canadiens in the 2024 NHL Draft. The Habs took the 19-year-old 21st overall. This season, he’s lighting up the NCAA with the University of Michigan. In 34 games this year, he’s got 12 goals and 45 points.
The Habs are so high on him that he was the purported reason why the Habs dropped out of the chase for Nazem Kadri. Up to now, Hage is so valuable to the Canadiens that they stopped looking for a center altogether.
That is, until Robert Thomas was officially available. The rationale behind the Canadiens’ thought process is that it isn’t every day when a center like Thomas is available. This potential trade is compared to the Buffalo Sabres dealing Jack Eichel to the Vegas Golden Knights about five years ago.
Blues also coveting a defenseman from Montreal
The other name that’s surfaced in the past is defenseman Kaiden Guhle. Guhle has become a mainstay on the Canadiens’ blue line. In fact, the Habs signed the former 16th overall pick to a six-year contract this past offseason worth $33.3 million.
While Guhle has battled injuries this season, he’s chipped in four points in 19 games. The Olympic break seems to have helped Guhle heal from a groin injury, joining the Habs' blue line at the right time.
Guhle is the sort of solid all-around defenseman the Blues could use, particularly if Justin Faulk departs. But Guhle is one piece the Canadiens are reluctant to part with. In fact, the Habs are looking to add to their defense corps instead of subtracting.
With Blues’ GM Doug Armstrong hanging tough, it seems unlikely that the Canadiens pay the price for Thomas. Unless someone blinks first, it might be tough to see the Blues and Habs pull off this blockbuster.