Theorizing three possible trade packages to land Blues’ Robert Thomas
The Robert Thomas sweepstakes are still in full swing, and it doesn’t sound like St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong is set to budge off his asking price. Based on reports (along with teams I’ve spoken with) it sounds like the asking price for Thomas remains a package of four assets that equates to the value of close to four first-round picks. With five years remaining at a hair over $8.1 million per season, Thomas’ contract makes him more valuable than just his play alone.
Using the Buffalo Sabres’ rumored package for Thomas of a first-round pick, Konsta Helenius, Owen Power and Jack Quinn, here are the three top packages that could be assembled for Thomas by three teams that would make sense as destinations. Remember: the Blues don’t have to trade him, and there are no pivots close to him on the market, so the offers have to be significant.
Boston Bruins: First round pick, James Hagens, Matthew Poitras and Mason Lohrei
The Boston Bruins have had talks over the last number of weeks with the Blues surrounding several players – Thomas being one of them. An Eastern Conference executive whose team had discussions with Armstrong suggested, “any deal involving the Bruins would have to start with Hagens based on the ask from us.’’ Not sure the Bruins would want to move their local blue chipper, but the Blues nabbing a near-ready top-line pivot would be hard to pass up.
The Bruins have four first-round picks over the next two drafts, so one of them going out the door wouldn’t be the biggest blow. It is no secret that they are open to moving Poitras, while Lohrei’s name has been out there for quite some time. The deal would replenish the cupboard for the Blues while also setting themselves up nicely for the future.
The Bruins don’t necessarily need to add a name like Thomas, as Hagens is likely to turn pro sooner rather than later. But if GM Don Sweeney is looking to bolster his team right now, he certainly has the ammunition to do so.
Montreal Canadiens: First round pick, Owen Beck, Michael Hage and David Reinbacher
The Montreal Canadiens would be able to outbid any competitor in the sweepstakes for Thomas – full stop. Between just Hage and Reinbacher, I don’t think that any other team could put together (within reason) a package close to as tantalizing for the Blues. Additionally, there is arguably no better fit for Thomas from a roster-construction perspective than the Canadiens. A Nick Suzuki-Thomas 1-2 punch down the middle would be akin to what we saw in Boston with Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci during the 2010s.
If you speak to many across the league (and the Montreal faithful), trading Hage would be bordering on sacrilege. With 45 points in 34 games in the NCAA this season, Hage is one of the most highly touted prospects in the game right now.
Reinbacher was a radioactive pick from the moment GM Kent Hughes announced his name ahead of Matvei Michkov at the 2023 draft, so I don’t think moving him would Reinbacher as devastating for the local fanbase. Additionally, the Canadiens have their current top-four on defense locked up for the next four seasons; he may not have a spot, regardless.
Philadelphia Flyers: First round pick, Bobby Brink, Porter Martone and Oliver Bonk
There is no team looking to take the next step in more of a desperate need for a top-six (let alone top-line) center than the Philadelphia Flyers. Like when they kicked tires on Quinn Hughes, any deal for an upper-echelon player will start with either Martone or Michkov. Given GM Danny Briere’s comments a month back pouring cold water on the Michkov-trade rumors, it is only logical to start with Martone – one of the top prospects in the NHL right now.
Brink is a proven middle-six winger in need of a new contract (RFA) at season’s end, and he could slide immediately into the lineup for the Blues. Bonk is a first round pick going back three seasons who just turned pro this year; he would be a little ways away from cracking the Blues’ lineup, but he would be an impactful piece for Armstrong down the line – especially if the Colton Parayko deal ultimately goes through.
_____
The 2026 Trade Deadline Special is going LIVE March 6th. Join the Daily Faceoff crew on Friday, March 6th, from 11 AM-3:30 PM ET for wall-to-wall coverage of every single move as it happens. Get instant reaction, expert analysis, and exclusive insights from special guests throughout the day. Tune in LIVE on the Daily Faceoff YouTube channel and don’t miss a second of deadline day chaos.
_____
Recently by Anthony Di Marco
- Flyers’ Ristolainen still in play for trade – but he won’t come cheap
- Are stars aligning for Bruins, Blues to make a major trade?
- Two brothers saved Team USA’s bacon – just not the duo we expected
- What’s next for the Flyers and Matvei Michkov?
- Three possible fits if the Wild trade goaltender Jesper Wallstedt