St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas grimaces in pain after blocking a shot.
Robert Thomas suffers fractured ankle and will be out for at least six weeks. How will the Blues cope?

The St. Louis Blues were dealt a devastating blow this week when star forward Robert Thomas suffered a fractured right ankle during their 3-2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets. The injury occurred in the third period when Thomas bravely blocked a shot from Neal Pionk.

Despite playing two more shifts after the incident, including assisting on Brandon Saad’s second goal of the game, the pain proved too much, and Thomas was forced to leave the ice.

Blues Face Uphill Battle Without Star Center

This is a significant setback for the Blues, who rely heavily on Thomas’s offensive prowess. The 25-year-old center was tied for second in team scoring with six points (one goal, five assists) in seven games this season. He’s coming off a career year where he led the Blues with 86 points (26 goals, 60 assists) while playing in all 82 games. His absence will be felt immensely, leaving a gaping hole in their top line and power play unit.

“Not the news you’re wanting when you walk into the rink this morning, but he’s our best player,” said Blues captain Brayden Schenn. “He’s a guy that drives the bus for us…” Schenn will be tasked with filling the void at the top line center position, but replacing Thomas’s production will require a collective effort. The Blues will need players like Jordan Kyrou, Pavel Buchnevich, and Vladimir Tarasenko to step up and elevate their offensive game.

This injury also puts a spotlight on the Blues’ depth. With Thomas out for an extended period, younger players like Jake Neighbours and potentially even some call-ups from the AHL will have a chance to prove themselves. It will be interesting to see how coach Drew Bannister adjusts his lines and strategies to compensate for this significant loss.

While the Blues face an uphill battle without their star center, it’s important to remember that injuries are an unfortunate part of the game. This is a chance for other players to rise to the occasion and showcase their abilities. The Blues have a history of resilience, and they’ll need to draw on that spirit to navigate this challenging period.

For the latest NHL news, including updates on Robert Thomas’s recovery, stay tuned to our website. We provide in-depth coverage of all things hockey, from salary cap information and fantasy hockey predictions to the NHL TV schedule, ensuring you never miss a beat.

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