Photo credit: Peter Creveling-Imagn Images
Speculation surrounding a potential blockbuster trade between the Montreal Canadiens and the St. Louis Blues continues to fuel conversation.
While rumors suggest the asking price for center Robert Thomas is steep, a hypothetical trade proposal illustrates concretely what it could cost the Montreal organization.
Under this scenario, acquiring Robert Thomas would require the departure of three key pieces from the Canadiens’ future.
The return demanded by the Blues would include forward Kirby Dach, defenseman David Reinbacher, as well as the Canadiens’ 2026 first-round pick.
Let’s be honest, such a trade would instantly alter the face of Montreal’s rebuild.
It would align with the logic put forward by some analysts that St. Louis is seeking the equivalent of three high-quality assets (top-15 picks or equivalent prospects).
Proposal: Kirby Dach + David Reinbacher + 1st-round pick, in exchange for forward Robert Thomas
In this offer proposed here by HTR, the Canadiens would land an established top center, filling a major need on their second line.
Kirby Dach + David Reinbacher + 2026 1st-round pick (to the Blues)
for
Robert Thomas (to the Canadiens)
However, the cost in draft capital and development assets is significant.
Moving Kirby Dach means giving up a big-bodied center who is already an NHL player.
Additionally, including David Reinbacher would mean sacrificing the organization’s top blue-line prospect, selected 5th overall not long ago.
Add a 2026 first-round pick to the mix, and the risk becomes increasingly high.
Do you think Kent Hughes would be willing to pay such a steep price to accelerate the process?
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4-piece fan trade proposal sending Robert Thomas to the Canadiens draws attention
Should the Canadiens agree to give up Dach, Reinbacher, and a first-round pick for Robert Thomas?