With the trade of Brayden Schenn to the New York Islanders, the St. Louis Blues are captain-less. Now, they have a surplus of alternates, with Robert Thomas, Philip Broberg, and Jake Neighbours making up the leadership group.
Eventually, General Manager-in-waiting will have to make a decision on who to name as the next captain of this franchise, but it does not have to be right away. In fact, waiting until this retool period is over might be the best thing for now.
But who exactly should get it? There is a valid argument for Neighbours to get the Captaincy, as he could be a nice transition from Schenn. Broberg might get overwhelmed with the responsibility, as he is still just trying to adjust to his newfound minutes hike.
That leaves Thomas, who was been this team's best player for a number of seasons now. Is it finally time to give him his flowers, when it is the right time?
Captainless for now?
The Blues are going through a full retool. They have enough firepower with this upcoming draft to really make some moves. But, that does not mean that they will turn this around in one offseason.
There is a very good chance that the 2026-27 season will be another hard year, filled with underwhelming play, but an understanding of what they need to do to improve. This season does not exactly have that teachable moment, as the lackluster play has come from just about everyone on this roster, and it stems from a sense of false identity. The Stanley Cup Playoff appearance last season proved this team was lucky, not great.
Going without a bonafide captain is the best choice, for now. Giving that honor out at this point of uncertainity gives another sense of false hope, that this current squad is stable and will be a long-term contender. That will likely not be the case following this offseason's NHL Draft and free agency period. They will get better, but not good enough to compete at that level.
Giving it to Thomas?
Thomas has been this team's best player for a long time. He is one of the longest tenured members of this squad, and he continuously appears on the scoresheet, night-in and night-out.
That is even more evident this season, in which he has been hindered by some injuries. In 45 games, he has 15 goals and 24 assists for 39 points. On a team that has been struggling to find offense all season, and from key members like Kyrou, Dylan Holloway, and Pavel Buchnevich, No. 18 is nearly a point-per-game player.
Thomas is a solid long-term solution for this team's retooling process. He would have brought back a huge return at the Trade Deadline, but he is also a valuable asset. Steen can come in over the summer and build a team around him.
Starting in 2027-28, there is a case to be made for Thomas as captain. But for now, let's put that on the shelf and let that sit.