It is official, folks: Robert Thomas is the 25th captain of the St. Louis Blues. The news comes down with just a few weeks left before training camp and preseason action begins, and it could not have happened at a more perfect time.
This decision made by new General Manager Alexander Steen moves this franchise into its next era, and now, it falls on Thomas to carry this team back into the competitive picture.
You're going to want to C this. pic.twitter.com/60WCS5mpHR
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) September 2, 2026
Thomas is the perfect choice
This summer, there was a lot of talk about whether or not this was the right time to name the next captain. After Brayden Schenn was moved to the New York Islanders during the season, it seemed like the next player to wear the “C” was not going to happen for a while.
A number of scenarios were made on who should be the next captain, and Thomas was always included in that discussion. Jake Neighbours and Colton Parayko were the only other two players that had their hat in the ring, but it was always Thomas’ to lose.
As this team enters this new era, they are going to need their best player to continue to provide excellent numbers on the ice, as well as becoming a vocal leader in the locker room. Prospects and younger players are flooding the lineup sheet, and that means that direction from a veteran voice is necessary.
The Blues named Thomas as their 25th captain to continue the legendary legacy of the 24 others before him. Schenn, Alex Pietrangelo, Ryan O’Reilly, and David Backes are the most recent to wear the “C”, and now it is on the front of No. 18’s jersey.
To say that this was the right move was an understatement, as Thomas has been a solid forward for this team. He has spent his entire career wearing the Blue Note, and it should not shock you to hear that he might be a lifer in St. Louis. Giving him the highest honor to hold as a player is an appreciative gesture, and a trusting one as he becomes the face of this franchise.
The next era of Blues hockey is under the leadership of Thomas, and it will be interesting to see how this team reacts. At this time, this was the perfect news to have with training camp on the way, and it could instill some much-needed confidence in this team.
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