{"id":427998,"date":"2026-01-25T22:13:11","date_gmt":"2026-01-25T22:13:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/427998\/"},"modified":"2026-01-25T22:13:11","modified_gmt":"2026-01-25T22:13:11","slug":"robert-thomas-reportedly-available-and-it-could-change-everything-for-the-canadiens-next-step","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/427998\/","title":{"rendered":"Robert Thomas reportedly available and it could change everything for the Canadiens’ next step"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t \"Jan <\/p>\n

Photo credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

We have a major development regarding a trade involving star center Robert Thomas.<\/p>\n

The St. Louis Blues are listening to offers for Thomas, which is significant for a team like the Canadiens, who have the assets to pay the price.<\/p>\n

For several weeks now, even months, there has been a lot of talk around a clear need in Montreal.<\/p>\n

The Canadiens are looking for a stable solution at the second-center position, and rumors always seem to point toward the same type of player.<\/p>\n

In Thomas’ case, this isn’t just a name being thrown around randomly.<\/p>\n

We’re talking about an established center, capable of producing over a full season, and his numbers back it up.<\/p>\n

In 2023-24, he played all 82 games with the St. Louis Blues and filled the scoresheet with 26 goals and 60 assists, for 86 points.<\/p>\n

Robert Thomas could be available in a trade, and it’s huge for Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens<\/p>\n

Where it gets interesting is the “price to pay.”<\/p>\n

When a player of this caliber comes up in discussions, it’s not about a minor tweak.<\/p>\n

We’re talking about a deal that could cost prospects and a high draft pick, at minimum.<\/p>\n

And that’s exactly what makes some fans hesitate.<\/p>\n

The Canadiens don’t have to rush, especially with a prospect pool that’s starting to look very appealing.<\/p>\n

But at the same time, opportunities like this don’t come around every month, especially when an 86-point center is in the conversation.<\/p>\n

“Elliotte Friedman: Re Robert Thomas rumours: It’s either a huge package that makes them say we can’t say no to this, or the other thing I’ve heard is they’re looking for a stud top 6 forward who’s slightly younger than Thomas.”<\/p>\n

– 32 Thoughts”<\/p>\n

There’s also one detail that really stands out when you look at his 2023-24 season.<\/p>\n

Thomas didn’t just produce, he did it while staying disciplined in his game.<\/p>\n

He finished that year with 48 penalty minutes, along with a plus-9 rating.<\/p>\n

Kent Hughes doesn’t need to promise a trade tomorrow morning.<\/p>\n

But making calls, listening, and gauging the market is exactly what a GM should be doing, especially when the name “Robert Thomas” starts getting linked to the Canadiens.<\/p>\n

Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics<\/p>\n

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