ST. LOUIS (AP) — Robert Thomas has officially taken on the role of captain for the St. Louis Blues, marking a significant change in the team's leadership structure. Thomas, who previously captained the London Knights in the Ontario Hockey League during the 2017-18 season, brings a wealth of experience to this new position, having celebrated a Stanley Cup victory with the Blues in 2019.
During a press conference held on Thursday, Thomas expressed his eagerness to apply the lessons he learned from his prior leadership experiences. He spoke alongside new general manager Alex Steen, alternate captains Philip Broberg, Dylan Holloway, Jake Neighbours, and Colton Parayko, as well as head coach Jim Montgomery. "The No. 1 thing is just being authentic, being yourself. You take bits and pieces from everyone, but you’ve got to really believe in yourself and in your leadership group, and that’s something that we all really believe in,” Thomas stated.
Last season, Thomas showcased his offensive prowess by leading the Blues with 25 goals, 39 assists, and a total of 64 points, despite being limited to just 64 games due to injury. His performance was particularly impressive after returning from leg surgery on March 1, where he recorded 31 points in 22 games, ranking him eighth in the NHL during that stretch.
Drafted 20th overall in the 2017 NHL Draft, Thomas signed a $65 million contract extension in July 2022, which has five years remaining. His teammate Jordan Kyrou, who received a similar contract just two months later, was traded to the Washington Capitals this summer, further emphasizing the transition within the Blues organization.
Thomas's appointment as the 25th captain in franchise history comes at a pivotal moment for the Blues, who are navigating through a period of change. Steen, who played alongside Thomas from 2018 to 2020, took over as general manager from Doug Armstrong on July 1. He noted Thomas's deep connection to both the organization and the city, highlighting his understanding of the responsibilities that come with being a captain.
“Robert’s really, really dug himself into the fabric of the organization and the city and has a great understanding of the responsibilities of this role,” Steen remarked. “He looks for information, resources. He’s a very curious person, wants to evolve all the time, and I know he’s going to be great at this. And this is something that he’s going to continue to grow with.”
Thomas's leadership journey began to take shape last season when he was entrusted with greater responsibilities after the Blues traded their former captain, Brayden Schenn, to the New York Islanders on March 6. Coach Montgomery noted Thomas's evolution as a leader, recalling a moment when he encouraged him to take charge during a sluggish first period in a home game. The team’s positive response to Thomas's leadership during that game solidified Montgomery's confidence in him as the right choice for captain.
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