NHL Rumors: The Latest on Robert Thomas

The St. Louis Blues asking price for Robert Thomas is astronomical, as it should be

TSN: The St. Louis Blues are listening on all their core players, but Robert Thomas is at the top of the list as he’s a No. 1 center, and the price remains ‘astronomical for Thomas, according to Pierre LeBrun.

“I’m not convinced that it’s going to lower that much by Friday’s deadline, because again, the Blues don’t have to move him. As one team executive told me: Is this about the Blues really getting a full sense of the market for him and then circling back in the off-season on a lot of these discussions?

It could be, but I will also say this: I also talked to another team executive who was actually convinced that Thomas will move by Friday’s deadline. So we shall see.”

The latest surrounding Robert Thomas

TSN: Darren Dreger reported Tuesday afternoon, and on Insider Trading, that the trade talks involving Robert Thomas between the Buffalo Sabres and Blues heated up. They’re not right at the finish line, but all it takes in one call.

“We know that there’s been a ton of conversations around Thomas with Blues general manager Doug Armstrong. Some serious contenders, more tire kickers, but at this point it does feel like the Sabres are the frontrunner.”

Chris Johnston adds that the Blues are looking for three or four “premium assets” for Thomas. Which is why the Sabres could be the front-runners here.

“What I can tell you with the Sabres is the belief is they have gotten into that range where we’re talking about a package of picks, players and prospects that gets to about four players.”

The Sabres are also looking for a defenseman, and the Blues have several that could be available. Another thing to consider.

Pierre LeBrun adds that the high asking price is likely too much for the Montreal Canadiens. The sides did talk, but the price didn’t make sense for the Canadiens side at this point – Michael Hage, David Reinbacher, plus, plus.