Photo credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Kent Hughes is seriously exploring the St. Louis Blues market in search of the high-end forward Montreal is sorely lacking.
Trade rumors between the two teams are picking up significant steam as January comes to a close.
The message from management, however, has remained the same since the start of the rebuild.
The plan must not change, and the future of the club comes before short-term solutions.
But the pressure is mounting to add offensive talent to Martin St-Louis’ top six.
Kent Hughes is actively monitoring Robert Thomas and the St. Louis Blues
On the latest DFO Rundown podcast, David Pagnotta poured fuel on the fire.
He mentioned that Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou are names to watch very closely.
“We all know they wanted a second-line center, and it’s no secret that they’re also looking for a top-line winger to play with Suzuki and Caufield.
Now there are two guys in St. Louis, one in which it was Jordan Kyrou that they explored at the draft. The other guy is Robert Thomas, whom St. Louis is also willing to listen on, as we now know. I’m not saying they’re going after both, but I could certainly see one of those two being a target for them, but that fits where they’re at. Mid-20s, controllable, build with this group, and go from there, and presumably click with that club.”
– David Pagnotta
Robert Thomas is a 26-year-old center selected 20th overall in 2017 by St. Louis.
He already owns a Stanley Cup ring and is under contract through 2031.
With an annual salary of $8.125 million, he represents exactly the type of cornerstone the Canadiens are seeking.
This season, Thomas is maintaining a solid production pace despite his team’s struggles.
On the other side, Jordan Kyrou is a dynamic 27-year-old winger capable of scoring 30 goals per season.
Kyrou was drafted in the second round, 35th overall, in 2016.
His contract is identical to Thomas’, which simplifies the math for Hughes.
The asking price from the Blues is expected to be massive for either player.
St. Louis does not appear eager to move its stars without receiving a substantial return.
That would likely involve top young prospects and probably a first-round pick.
Management must now decide whether the time has come to move on to the next phase.
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Canadiens reportedly linked to Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou ahead of the trade deadline
Which Blues player would you target for the top six?