The St. Louis Blues are set to receive a significant boost to their roster on Monday, as first-line center Robert Thomas is poised to return for a crucial matchup against the Edmonton Oilers. Head coach Jim Montgomery confirmed that Thomas will be back in action after he reported feeling ready following Monday’s morning skate.
Thomas has been sidelined since October 25 due to an upper-body injury suffered during a 6-4 loss to the Detroit Red Wings. In his absence, center Pius Suter stepped up, successfully contributing three points in four games. However, the absence of a dynamic playmaker like Thomas has been felt in the Blues’ performance.
Prior to his injury, Thomas was enjoying a strong run, boasting a three-game point streak with four assists. Last season, he emerged as a standout player, leading the NHL in scoring down the stretch, netting an impressive 40 points in his last 26 games following the 4 Nations Face-Off in February.
Currently, the Blues are struggling, sitting at the bottom of the Central Division with a 3-7-2 record, having lost their last seven consecutive games leading into Monday’s matchup. As Thomas takes on his usual first-line duties, he is expected to play alongside wingers Pavel Buchnevich and Jimmy Snuggerud. They will have the challenging task of containing either Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl of the Oilers.
Much like the Blues, the Oilers are also working to find their rhythm early in the season, currently holding a record of 6-4-3 as they aim for a third straight trip to the Stanley Cup. This matchup presents a pivotal opportunity for both teams to gain momentum and turn their seasons around. With Thomas back in the fold, the Blues will look to capitalize on this reunion and shift the course of their campaign positively.