The St. Louis Blues’ trade deadline was apparently much more dramatic behind the scenes than anyone realized.
According to a report from NHL insider Michael Russo of The Athletic, the Minnesota Wild made a massive, aggressive pitch to acquire Blues top-line center Robert Thomas before the deadline passed. Desperate to land a legitimate, elite number-one center, Minnesota General Manager Bill Guerin reportedly put a jaw-dropping package on the table.
“The Wild made a pitch for Thomas at the deadline, per league sources, dangling (Jesper) Wallstedt and (Danila) Yurov as part of a package.”
The Blues' answer? A firm "no."
It is easy to see why Minnesota is so enamored by Thomas. The 26-year-old checks every single box for what the Wild desperately lack: he is a high-end offensive catalyst, a right-shot centerman, and a weapon in the faceoff circle who can consistently win draws. Not to mention the 130 goals and 460 points Thomas has racked up in 530 games across eight NHL seasons.
On top of the on-ice fit, there is an additional incentive to help use Thomas’ long-term contract to help entice defenseman Quinn Hughes to sign long-term with the Wild as well. Thomas has five years remaining on an eight-year extension that carries a very reasonable $8.125 million average annual value (AAV), an unbelievable value for a prime, point-per-game cornerstone center.
While Doug Armstrong shut down the Wild's advances at the deadline, the front office dynamic in St. Louis is about to shift. Alexander Steen is set to officially take over GM duties from Armstrong on July 1.
With a new sheriff in town, Russo fully expect Guerin to circle back and try again this summer. Minnesota's aggressive pursuit of a franchise center isn't going away, and Thomas is believed to remain at or the top of their wish list, despite the in-division conflict.
Now, the ball is in Steen’s court. Will the incoming GM view Thomas as an untouchable piece of the Blues' core, or will Minnesota up the ante enough to make the new boss think twice?