Thomas has minor surgery, out until after the Olympic Break

The St. Louis Blues announced during Saturday's 5-3 loss to Columbus that star forward Robert Thomas will not be playing until after the Olympic Break. He had minor surgery on his leg, which has been a lingering issue for him in recent weeks.

This news is a blessing with a curse, as Thomas will not be able to play these next two games leading up to the break. But the hope is that he will be able to get back on the ice and finish out the 2025-26 season.

Now, there is a definitive answer to whether Thomas will be able to participate for Team Canada as a replacement, and this shutdown has an effect on his long-term status with the Blues organization past the trade deadline.

The last straw

Is this the end of Thomas' tenure in the 'Lou. There are a lot of teams that have been calling about Thomas for the trade deadline, and General Manager Doug Armstrong has to be listening closely. Right now, he is the biggest possible trade chip, but a trade chip that has a No-Movement Clause.

With another loss, and the record on the season falling to 20-26-9, the gap between a playoff spot is getting larger and larger. The vibe is that the next steps in this season's progression will be to try to shut it down and retool for next season. Going with this core group has not been able to keep up with the rest of the NHL, and changes have to be made.

Thomas is a pivotal part of this team, and has been a very productive player. But, if his movement creates an opportunity to make this team better as a whole, including some defensive assistance, than it has to happen. It is very rare for an NHLer to stay in the same place for the entirety of their career, and with Thomas, this era with him in it is coming to an end.

For now, the Blues have to do their best without their best player. Nashville and Dallas are the last two opponents prior to the break, and every point counts right now.