The St. Louis Blues are actively engaged in trade talks with multiple teams regarding Robert Thomas. This week has seen activity with Detroit and Utah, and now, a new possible suitor has come to life as the most likely to trade for No. 18. Buffalo and St. Louis talks are heating up.
This sparks an interesting debate. Are the Blues doing the right thing by getting rid of Thomas, who is undoubtedly the team's best player? He is a central part of this franchise, and dare I say, the face of it.
Here are some reasons why it might be for the better that the Blues move on from Thomas.
Best return possible
This is the best chance for the Blues to retool for their future. Obviously, their core pieces are not getting the job done, nor does it look like they ever will. These contracts are going to just burn a hole in this franchise's pockets, and they will round the decade without any kind of progress toward a Stanley Cup.
Thomas' departure brings in the best possible return, which will help give the new General Manager in waiting, Alexander Steen, a leg up. He enters his new role, which was masterfully done by Doug Armstrong since 2010, with a squad full of investments that have a high possibility of turning a big profit.
Thomas would be wasted talent during retool
Let's face facts, this Blues team is not going to win much, and it could be for a good bit of time. There is a possibility of this retool being quick, but it is not likely. This Trade Deadline, coming up on Friday, should paint a better picture of what this team will be for the 2026-27 season, and beyond.
Thomas would be a wasted talent in this rebuild. This is the prime of his career, and he will still contribute solid numbers, but in losing efforts. Loyalty may run through his veins, but at some point, he has to think that enough is enough.
Thomas can go to a winning squad in prime of his career
Speaking of his prime years, Thomas has the opportunity to join a Stanley Cup-contending team and actually make a difference. The three big teams that are interested in him, Detroit, Utah, and now Buffalo, are all either in the Playoffs right now or in contention. And, each of those teams has a distinct possibility of being contenders past this season.
Obviously, you want Thomas to have success and lead the Blues to a successful couple of years ahead. But it does not look like that will happen with this current group. If you are a true fan of the Blues and of Thomas, you have to respect his decision to potentially waive his No-Trade Clause and go chase the Stanley Cup.