St. Louis Blues' Robert Thomas out with fractured ankle, set to miss six weeks

On October 22, 2024, the St. Louis Blues faced the Winnipeg Jets and suffered a significant loss when Robert Thomas, the team's No. 1 center, fractured his ankle during the third period. The injury occurred while Thomas blocked a shot, after which he managed to assist on a goal before leaving the game. The team subsequently placed him on injured reserve and announced that he will be re-evaluated in six weeks. Thomas had been contributing effectively with six points, including one goal and five assists, in just seven games this season, making his absence a considerable blow to the team's offensive capabilities. In response to Thomas's injury, the Blues altered their forward combinations during practice. Captain Brayden Schenn shifted to center the top line alongside Brandon Saad and Oskar Sundqvist. Dylan Holloway also moved up to the No. 3 center position. This shake-up in the lineup indicates how crucial Thomas’s skills are to the team’s performance, particularly in terms of offensive-zone entries and puck possession. Without him, the Blues face challenges in creating scoring opportunities, an issue that was already apparent prior to his injury. The Blues are likely to forgo calling up prospect Dalibor Dvorsky from AHL Springfield, as the organization wants him to gain experience in the minors. The loss of Thomas comes at a time when the team desperately needs his offensive production to stay competitive in the NHL. The six-week timeline for his re-evaluation adds urgency for the team to adjust effectively in his absence. Overall, Thomas’s injury underscores his integral role on the St. Louis Blues, and his speed and playmaking are qualities that will be missed significantly as the team navigates the upcoming weeks without him.