3 Trade Destinations for Robert Thomas

Ever since Robert Thomas appeared on the latest NHL trade board from Chris Johnston of The Athletic, speculation has ramped up around potential destinations for the Blues’ No. 1 center. Along with the chatter about where Thomas could land, a bigger question is whether there is even a realistic chance the Blues would trade him. Blues GM Doug Armstrong hasn’t publicly confirmed or denied whether Thomas is truly up for grabs, but if he is, there is no doubt he would be asking for a big return.

Thomas has put up 80 points over the last two seasons and has been one of the most consistent producers in the Blues’ lineup. While trading your top producer may seem strange, the Blues are not in a good spot. The team currently sits at 18-23-8, and it doesn’t look like anything will string together soon. Montgomery wants a change, and with the trade deadline approaching, the Blues are all in on selling. If Thomas is on the table, here are some teams to look at that could meet the high demands.

Philadelphia Flyers

Robert Thomas would immediately give the Flyers a true top-line center. Philadelphia has built much of its offense around wingers, but they need someone who can consistently drive scoring and set up teammates. Thomas’ vision and playmaking ability would elevate players like Trevor Zegras and Travis Konecny while also adding stability and two-way responsibility down the middle. He is the type of center who can play big minutes in all situations, including the power play, and thrive in high-pressure moments.

A deal for Thomas would not be cheap. It would likely require a roster player or a highly rated prospect, along with a draft pick. At 26 years old, Thomas offers a long-term solution down the middle, something the Flyers have been searching for, and would give the team a foundation to build around as they aim to compete for the playoffs.

Buffalo Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres are in the middle of a full playoff push, and every game is critical. They are currently first in the Eastern Conference wild card with 59 points, but competing in the tough Atlantic Division means they need players who can make an immediate impact. Robert Thomas would give Buffalo a proven center to stabilize their top line, create more high-quality scoring chances, and help the team sustain offensive pressure against heavy-hitting opponents.

Thomas also brings a veteran mindset at just 26. He is entering his prime but has already played in high-stakes postseason games, including contributing to a Stanley Cup win in his rookie season. His ability to perform responsibly in all situations would allow Buffalo to rely on him in critical moments, giving the Sabres a long-term solution down the middle while boosting their chances of making a deep playoff run.

Detroit Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings are building on an impressive season and are currently second in the Eastern Conference with 64 points. Expected to be buyers heading into the trade deadline, Detroit could use Robert Thomas to add versatility and depth to its top-six forward group. The Red Wings already have talented wings and emerging forwards, but Thomas’s ability would just add more depth to the lineup as a two-way player. Adding a player of his caliber could help Detroit end its nine-year playoff drought and push deeper into the postseason while strengthening the team for the future.

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