{"id":451078,"date":"2026-02-08T07:35:32","date_gmt":"2026-02-08T07:35:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/451078\/"},"modified":"2026-02-08T07:35:32","modified_gmt":"2026-02-08T07:35:32","slug":"the-price-the-canadiens-would-have-to-pay-to-land-robert-thomas-is-now-known","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/451078\/","title":{"rendered":"The price the Canadiens would have to pay to land Robert Thomas is now known"},"content":{"rendered":"


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

Photo credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

The trade market is shaping up to be fierce, and the price to acquire a true number-one center has just reached new heights.<\/p>\n

According to information reported by Kypreos, general manager Doug Armstrong has set a selling price deemed “astronomical” for his star player.<\/p>\n

“Re Robert Thomas: The price is astronomical, in the vicinity of something equivalent to three top-15 first-round picks. [Armstrong’s] looking for cache in prospects and picks. I don\u2019t know what team would do that.”<\/p>\n

– Nick Kypreos, Sportsnet<\/p>\n

Kypreos specifies that the acquisition cost is in the neighborhood of a value equivalent to three top-15 first-round picks.<\/p>\n

The Blues\u2019 objective is clear: they are looking for a combination of picks and very high-end prospects to replenish their pipeline.<\/p>\n

What would that price look like for the Montreal Canadiens?<\/p>\n

If this demand is translated into concrete assets within the Canadiens\u2019 organization, the picture becomes quite brutal for their depth.<\/p>\n

To match the value of \u201cthree top-15 picks,\u201d Kent Hughes would very likely have to sacrifice a trio of untouchable prospects.<\/p>\n

In the scenario being discussed, that would mean the simultaneous departure of Michael Hage, David Reinbacher, and another top-tier prospect such as Alex Zharovsky.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s be honest: giving up three cornerstone pieces of the rebuild for a single player, as talented as he may be, represents a massive risk.<\/p>\n

Kypreos himself questioned the feasibility of such a deal, admitting he doesn\u2019t know which team would be willing to pay that price.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a reminder that the sellers\u2019 market is absolutely ruthless right now.<\/p>\n

Robert Thomas is an exceptional player, but mortgaging the future of both the blue line and the forward group in one move could set Montreal back.<\/p>\n

It remains to be seen whether Armstrong is bluffing to drive up the bidding or if he is genuinely prepared to keep his player if no one pays the price.<\/p>\n

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

POLL<\/p>\n

FEVRIER 6|753 ANSWERS<\/p>\n

The price the Canadiens would have to pay to land Robert Thomas is now known<\/p>\n

Should the Montreal Canadiens pay “the equivalent of three top-15 picks” for Robert Thomas?<\/p>\n

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