Deal Done?: Sabres Get Close on Blockbuster Trade with Blues

The St. Louis Blues and Buffalo Sabres have been talking about a blockbuster trade that, to this point, can’t seem to cross the finish line. The Blues have made center Robert Thomas available, and the Sabres are interested. However, St. Louis wants a haul and the Sabres are hesitating.

---

As per TSN’s Darren Dreger:

“Update: It’s believed St Louis/Buffalo went the distance on Thomas trade talks. Sounds like the Sabres aren’t willing to part with the necessary pieces. (Prospects, Player, 1st). Still teams nibbling, but the Blues are firm in what the return needs to be for the young center.”

He adds, “As @reporterchris reported last night, the Sabres and Blues have also been focused on a Dman. Buffalo wants a right shot, so Parayko or Faulk have been mentioned as possibilities.”

How Did the Thomas Trade Talks Start?

After weeks of speculation, it appeared Robert Thomas was being traded. Chris Johnston had reported that the Sabres are “viewed around the industry as a potential dark horse team that could spice up this trade deadline.” He noted that Buffalo is believed to be dangling the equivalent of multiple 1st-rounders in talks. This was on the heels of Dreger’s first report that the two teams were chatting in a buyer’s market.

The 26-year-old Thomas is in year three of the eight-year, $65 million extension he signed with the Blues back in 2022, which included a full no-movement clause that he was willing to waive to go to Buffalo. He’s battled through an injury-riddled 2025-26 season, tallying 35 points (12 goals, 23 assists) in just 43 games.

Buffalo is looking to snap its 14-year playoff drought, which is the second-longest among all active teams in major pro sports, behind only the New York Jets, who just recently reached their 15th straight season of missing the playoffs. They currently sit second in the Atlantic Division, and this is the type of splash they hoped would elevate them into a true contender in the Eastern Conference.

The trade is not completely dead, but it does appear to have taken a big step backward when some believed the deal was close.

Next: Analyst Foresees Trade Requests From Auston Matthews and Brady Tkachuk