St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas suffered a fractured ankle in Tuesday’s 3-2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets, the club announced Wednesday. The team placed Thomas on injured reserve and said he will be re-evaluated in six weeks.
The play happened early in the third period when Thomas blocked a shot by Jets defenseman Neal Pionk. Thomas stayed in the game and assisted on Brandon Saad’s third-period goal. But shortly after, Thomas left the game and didn’t return. Afterward, Blues coach Drew Bannister said that Thomas was getting X-rays on the injury.
Thomas has six points (one goal, five assists) in seven games with the Blues this season.
Here’s the play in which Thomas was injured, blocking a shot by Pionk about 1:30 into the 3rd period. #stlblues pic.twitter.com/MIl1HSr70g
— Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) October 23, 2024
What does this mean for the Blues?
In Thomas, the team has lost the player it could least afford to lose for the long term. One could make a case for Jordan Binnington, or the defensive pair of Philip Broberg, but most would agree that it’s Thomas. He’s the No. 1 center in a lineup that desperately needs his skill and production (six points in seven games this season).
Where do the Blues turn now?
In Wednesday’s practice, the forward combinations were significantly altered without Thomas. Captain Brayden Schenn centered the top line with Brandon Saad on left wing (Oskar Sundqvist was on right wing, but he appeared to be filling in for Jake Neighbours, who also wasn’t practicing). Pavel Buchnevich remained the No. 2 center, and Dylan Holloway was moved to the No. 3 center.
It seems doubtful that the Blues will call up prospect Dalibor Dvorsky from AHL Springfield, whom they want to get some experience in the minors.
Can the Blues withstand the setback?
It’s going to be extremely difficult. They were already struggling to create offense and that was without arguably their most skilled offensive player. He’s the best among the forwards at offensive-zone entries and puck possession, and it’s hard to envision who will replace that.
Thomas will be re-evaluated in six weeks, and his return can’t get here soon enough if you’re the club.
Required reading
(Photo: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images)
