In a much-needed boost for the St. Louis Blues, standout center Robert Thomas is slated to return to the lineup for Tuesday night’s pivotal matchup against the Minnesota Wild. The 24-year-old has been sidelined since October 22nd after fracturing his right ankle while blocking a shot in a game versus the Winnipeg Jets.
Thomas’ absence has been keenly felt by the struggling Blues, who have posted a disappointing 4-7-1 record over the 12 games without their young star. Prior to the injury, the 2024 NHL All-Star had recorded six points in just seven contests, building off his breakout 2022-23 campaign.
Accelerated Recovery Timeline
Initially projected to miss at least six weeks, Thomas has made a remarkably swift recovery. He recently accompanied the team on a three-game road trip and has been participating in full practices. Expressing his eagerness to rejoin his teammates, Thomas shared:
“It’s obviously frustrating being out. I invested a lot in myself, and I’m pretty happy with the result and getting back so soon. I’m excited to be back in the lineup and look forward to getting in the trenches with the guys.”
– Robert Thomas
Blues head coach Drew Bannister praised Thomas’ diligence and preparation, noting that the dynamic forward appears to be in prime condition despite the extended layoff:
“It doesn’t look like he’s missed a beat. He’s in great shape. He went away for a week, 10 days, two weeks to do some work in Toronto with his doctors there, and I think that really sped up the process.”
– Drew Bannister, St. Louis Blues Head Coach
Keeping Expectations in Check
While thrilled to have Thomas back in the fold, the Blues are taking a measured approach in terms of immediate expectations. Understanding the challenges of returning from an extended absence, Thomas emphasized the importance of simplifying his game early on:
“You’ve got to get back into the rhythm of the game. It’s tough being out for so long. Today was my first real practice with the guys, so it’s going to take a little bit. Keeping it simple early will be important.”
– Robert Thomas
Nevertheless, there’s no question that having Thomas’ skill and creativity back in the lineup will provide a significant boost for a Blues squad seeking to climb the standings in the competitive Central Division.
Upcoming Schedule and Playoff Implications
Beginning with Tuesday’s clash against Minnesota, the Blues have a busy and challenging schedule ahead:
- Tuesday, Nov 21: vs Minnesota Wild
- Friday, Nov 24: at Dallas Stars
- Saturday, Nov 25: vs Chicago Blackhawks
- Monday, Nov 27: vs Vegas Golden Knights
With several key divisional matchups on tap, Thomas’ return comes at a critical juncture as St. Louis looks to make up ground in the playoff race. Currently sitting five points out of the final Wild Card spot, the Blues can ill afford to fall further behind in the ultra-competitive Western Conference.
All eyes will be on how quickly Thomas can regain his elite form and whether his presence can galvanize a St. Louis group that has struggled mightily to generate consistent offense in his absence. If the skilled center can recapture the dynamic play that earned him his first All-Star nod last season, the Blues may yet have a chance to salvage their thus-far underwhelming 2024-25 campaign.
