When the St. Louis Blues wrapped up their most recent game on October 24, there was a key thing that happened as the final buzzer blew. They got to see what a Stanley Cup-winning team looked like for 60 minutes, and one that was built very similarly to their own.
The hope is that they were looking into the crystal ball at themselves, but there is a long way to go for that to come true.
Another key development that happened in this game was the look at the first-line center matchup. The Blues captain, Robert Thomas, went toe-to-toe against the Hurricanes' Sebastian Aho, and the difference in ability and skill was astounding. Thomas is good, very good at that, but he is not anywhere near the tier that Aho is on.
Robert Thomas vs. Sebastian Aho
Looking at the two centers, they both have a lot of similarities at this point in their career. Aho has 228 more games than Thomas, as he has two years of added experience, but the point pace is similar. Both are right in the middle of their primes, and this battle between the two could turn out to be a nice one to watch over the next five years or so.
In regard to their placement in their franchise, Thomas is obviously the captain of the Blues. Aho could get their one day with the Canes, but there are a couple of other members of that Canes team that are fighting for Jordan Staal's spot.
In terms of the eye test, Aho is a solid centerman and showed just how great he is against Thomas. Even though the faceoff total was dead even at 5 wins apiece, Aho won the point battle with two assists to be a big x-factor.
Looking at career numbers, the 228 extra games do paint a picture of the long-term impact. Aho has a .95 points per game pace, while Thomas is at 0.86 points per game. Both are really good marks, but the difference is painfully obvious.
The difference is stark, but change could be coming
Right now, it is clear that Aho is the superior centerman. But, with a blooming young Blues core group, there is a chance for this matchup to change directions. The Hurricanes are going to be an established force in the Eastern Conference for a good while longer, but the Blues are also coming into their own in the Western Conference.
With the influx of prospects taking their opportunities and running with them, that is a solid look at things to come for this franchise. Thomas has some great linemates in Jimmy Snuggerud and Dylan Holloway, and the trio could rid this stink from the beginning of the 2026-27 season and forge a fantastic first line for years to come.
Add us as a preferred source on Google