Insider Links Canadiens, Maple Leafs to Blues Star Center

The end of the Winter Olympics has put the NHL’s March 6 trade deadline back at the forefront of the hockey world, with just 10 days left for general managers to reshape their rosters in 2025-26.

Plenty of big names have swirled around the rumor mill — and will continue to over the next week and a half — but there may not be a more impactful player that could potentially be on the move than Robert Thomas. Interestingly enough, according to one insider, two high-profile Canadian teams are squarely in the mix looking to acquire him.

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David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period has Thomas listed at number 14 on his trade watch board, with the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs among four teams linked, along with the Detroit Red Wings and New York Islanders.

Pagnotta wrote:

“The Blues have made it clear they are open to calls on Thomas, but don’t waste their time. It’s going to take a massive package to pry Thomas out of St. Louis and while several teams have expressed interest, there are no guarantees the Blues make a move,”

The 26-year-old Thomas is in year three of the eight-year, $65 million extension he signed with the Blues back in 2022. He’s battled through an injury-riddled 2025–26 season so far, producing 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists) across 42 games played.

Can Montreal or Toronto Land Robert Thomas?

Blues GM Doug Armstrong is certainly seeking a massive haul in return if he does move his two-time 80-plus-point center, which could be a difficult price for Brad Treliving and the Maple Leafs, in particular, to meet.

Kent Hughes and the Canadiens, on the other hand, are better positioned with draft capital and intriguing young players and prospects to assemble a package that would at least get St. Louis’ attention.

Thomas does, however, have a full no-movement clause through 2029–30, which perhaps helps Toronto’s chances given that he’s an Aurora, Ontario native and could very well have interest in joining his hometown team.

This will undoubtedly be a situation worth monitoring moving forward, though the Blues have no reason to rush a move, which could push things to the offseason and, in turn, also aid the Maple Leafs’ salary cap picture and ability to try and pull something off.

Next: Analyst with Hot Take on Auston Matthews as Standalone Star