Blues Set Huge Price Tag on Robert Thomas Trade

The St. Louis Blues have set a steep price for their star center, Robert Thomas, making a trade a complex endeavor.

GM Doug Armstrong’s Demands

• Three first‑round assets in the top half of the draft are required.
• This could include a young established player, a promising prospect, and a high draft pick.

Contract Complications

• Thomas carries a no‑move clause that must be waived for any trade to occur.
• Teams may attempt to persuade him if the Blues are planning a long‑term rebuild.

Financial Hurdles

• The current offer exceeds what Armstrong had previously discussed.
• Earlier, he sought a talented center similar to Thomas but slightly younger.

Trade Outlook

• Due to the high asking price and contractual hurdles, a deal is unlikely before the trade deadline.
• Fans expect any transaction to take place in the summer window.

Performance Snapshot

• Thomas’s performance has dipped this season: 11 goals and 33 points in 42 games.
• In earlier seasons he consistently exceeded a point‑per‑game pace.

Bottom Line

The Blues’ lofty demands, combined with Thomas’s contract, make a trade challenging. The team will likely keep him on the roster until next season.