It’s no surprise at this point that the St. Louis Blues and GM Doug Armstrong are not just looking to make a trade, but really want to make one. Since early in the season, Armstrong has made it clear the Blues are open to moves after the team got off to a slow and uneven start.

Due to being “open for business,” Armstrong has put up many veteran Blues players on the trade board to try and attract teams his way. Many of the same names have been circulating for what feels like months now, but some new names have started to appear.

Robert Thomas Now Part of the Conversation

The biggest development came when Robert Thomas showed up on an NHL trade board for the first time. NHL insider Chris Johnston of The Athletic wrote that Thomas’ name has started to come up in talks with other teams, which caught a lot of attention.

“Nothing is off the table in St. Louis, including a potential deal involving the team’s top-line center. How likely that is depends on how you interpret the fact that his name has started to circulate again in chatter with rival teams. It would take a serious offer to land Thomas in the prime of his career, but the Blues are open for business.” – Chris Johnston

Thomas is 26 years old and signed through 2031 with a cap hit of $8,125,000. He is one of the main pieces of the Blues roster, so seeing his name mentioned is a big deal. It is unknown how likely this trade is, but it shows Armstrong is at least listening if the offer is strong enough.

More Blues to Keep an Eye On

Robert Thomas may be the newest in trade chatter, but several other Blues players are also starting to draw attention as the deadline approaches. Jordan Kyrou, Jordan Binnington, Brayden Schenn, and Justin Faulk have all been mentioned on NHL insider trade boards. That does not mean any of them are likely to be moved, but it shows that nothing is completely off the table, and other teams are calling to see what might be available.

Kyrou’s scoring ability makes him attractive to teams looking to add offense. Jordan Binnington has struggled to consistently perform this season, allowing goalie Joel Hofer to take the main spotlight and show he can handle a larger role if needed. Schenn brings leadership, experience, and playoff credibility, which is valuable for contenders trying to add depth. Faulk adds another layer as a veteran defenseman who could appeal to teams looking to strengthen their blue line down the stretch.

Together, these names show that while Thomas is the biggest of trade discussions, the Blues have multiple players who could move if the right deal comes along. St. Louis is clearly a team to keep an eye on as the deadline gets closer.

Why Has Nothing Happened Yet

Even with all the trade chatter, the Blues have not made a move yet, and there are a few clear reasons why. First, Armstrong has been patient. He has made it clear that he is not interested in rushing into a deal just to make one. If the right offer is not there, he is willing to wait.

Another factor is the market itself. Many teams around the league are still trying to figure out whether they are buyers or sellers. Until more teams commit one way or the other, trade talks tend to move slowly. Prices also remain high, and Armstrong is known for holding his ground when it comes to value.

The Blues position in the standings also plays a role. They are only five points out of a wild-card spot with still half the season to play. The Western Conference as a whole has been weak. That means even though the wild card is within reach, the Blues would need a big turnaround just to get into the mix.

For now, the phone is ringing, but no one has made an offer strong enough to force a move. That could change quickly as the deadline gets closer, but patience has been the theme so far.

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