St. Louis Blues star center Robert Thomas was the NHL’s biggest trade candidate leading up to the 2026 NHL trade deadline. However, in the end, the Blues held on to the 26-year-old forward, and he will finish the season in St. Louis as a result.
While Thomas wasn’t traded at the deadline, that undoubtedly has the potential to change during the summer. It’s clear that the Blues are open to moving their top players as they begin a rebuild.
Due to this, let’s look at three teams that could look to acquire Thomas this summer.
Montreal Canadiens
The Canadiens were linked to Thomas leading up to the deadline, and it is easy to see why. Their biggest roster need is another top-six center, and bringing in a star like Thomas would provide them with just that.
Furthermore, with the Canadiens’ Stanley Cup window starting to open, they are in a prime position to make a big splash for a star like Thomas. This is especially true given that he would be a long-term part of their core, as he owns an $8.175 million cap hit through the end of the 2030-31 season.
MORE: Top 5 NHL trade candidates for 2026 offseason
Utah Mammoth
The Utah Mammoth were also closely connected to Thomas in the lead-up to the deadline. When looking at their roster, there is no question that they could use a star forward like Thomas. He would form a fantastic one-two punch with Logan Cooley down the middle.
With the Mammoth looking to take that next step and be a true playoff team, it makes sense for them to try to land Thomas again this summer. He would significantly improve their forward group and give them another much-needed star.
Detroit Red Wings
The Red Wings addressed one of their biggest trade needs ahead of the deadline when they acquired top-four defenseman Justin Faulk from the Blues. Yet, the Red Wings were unable to add a top-six center at the deadline. Because of this, it makes sense for them to make a big push for Thomas this offseason.
If the Red Wings acquired Thomas, he would provide them with a significant upgrade over Andrew Copp in their top six. Whether Thomas played on Detroit’s first line or second line, he would undoubtedly boost the Red Wings’ center position in a major way.
