The St. Louis Blues have placed 2024 All-Star Robert Thomas on injured reserve. Thomas will be re-evaluated in six weeks.
Robert Thomas Placed On Injury Reserve
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The former All-Star sustained the injury in the third period of Tuesday’s game. It is unknown what led to the injury. However, Thomas went to the bench shortly after blocking a shot and soon went to the locker. He did not return for the remainder of the game.
Thomas will be out of action until at least early December, when it is re-evaluated. However, Thomas could be out longer. If cleared, he will need time to get ready for game action again. Furthermore, if it is determined he is not ready, he will miss further time.
This is a huge loss for the Blues. The 25-year-old centre was having a strong start to the season with six points through seven games. A 86-point last season, Thomas was trending as a potential candidate for a 100-point season. This period of time he misses will, in all likelihood, prevent that from happening.
Next Man Up
The Blues season will continue without one of their best players. Someone, or a group of people, will need to step up in Thomas’s absence. Pavel Buchnevich, Jordan Kyrou, and Brayden Schenn are players the Blues will turn to for production and additional leadership. Furthermore, players on the bottom lines will be asked to play up to help fill the roles.
This will create an opening on the roster. It is unknown how the Blues will address this. With the return of Alexandre Texier last night and the looming return of Oskar Sundqvist, the Blues were facing a decision regarding their roster. With Thomas now out, the situation changes.
Regardless of how the roster looks moving forward, there will be an opportunity for someone to step up and help the Blues win. There is an opportunity for someone to make a name for themself. It will interesting to see who emerges in a time when the Blues need someone to do so.
Main Photo Credit: Jeff Le-USA TODAY Sports
