ROBERT THOMAS - Center - 20 - $.894MM Cap Hit - RFA in 2021-2022
LAST UPDATED 8/20/19
As a former top prospect who skipped the AHL level completely to go from the OHL to NHL, Robert Thomas had a strong rookie season. Sure, 33 points is a far cry from the point-per-game numbers he posted in junior hockey, but it's still a strong number considering other CHL-to-NHL rookie seasons that have been disasters, and the 33 point number undersells Thomas' whole contributions to the Blues, on both ends of the ice. Thomas isn't the most fantastic skater, and won't use his wheels to create separation with the puck. Still, Thomas is only decently sized but incredibly strong, and he plays with an aggression that's rare for players his age. His motor simply does not stop, and while that may present problems it also has many benefits. Thomas' endless energy allows him to be a plus defensive player, fighting for pucks across the defensive zone and being a quick backchecker. His aggressiveness can mean that he's less careful about when to chase after pucks, and as a result he can get caught out of possession, which is true in Thomas' case, but in total he's still a plus on defense and is only going to get better. Offensively, Thomas is still growing, trying to develop pro habits in place of the practices that work to score in the OHL but do not work in the NHL. He's a good passer with great puck skills, and rarely gets outmuscled for pucks. He sometimes panics with the puck and can make mistakes, but in general he's strong with the puck on his stick and can set up his teammates well. Thomas is a strong offensive producer who should have a 40pt floor with 60pt upside. He'll probably wind up a strong, energy-filled high-end 2C in a few years, but right now he's more of a growing, gritty 3C jitterbug.
As a former top prospect who skipped the AHL level completely to go from the OHL to NHL, Robert Thomas had a strong rookie season. Sure, 33 points is a far cry from the point-per-game numbers he posted in junior hockey, but it's still a strong number considering other CHL-to-NHL rookie seasons that have been disasters, and the 33 point number undersells Thomas' whole contributions to the Blues, on both ends of the ice. Thomas isn't the most fantastic skater, and won't use his wheels to create separation with the puck. Still, Thomas is only decently sized but incredibly strong, and he plays with an aggression that's rare for players his age. His motor simply does not stop, and while that may present problems it also has many benefits. Thomas' endless energy allows him to be a plus defensive player, fighting for pucks across the defensive zone and being a quick backchecker. His aggressiveness can mean that he's less careful about when to chase after pucks, and as a result he can get caught out of possession, which is true in Thomas' case, but in total he's still a plus on defense and is only going to get better. Offensively, Thomas is still growing, trying to develop pro habits in place of the practices that work to score in the OHL but do not work in the NHL. He's a good passer with great puck skills, and rarely gets outmuscled for pucks. He sometimes panics with the puck and can make mistakes, but in general he's strong with the puck on his stick and can set up his teammates well. Thomas is a strong offensive producer who should have a 40pt floor with 60pt upside. He'll probably wind up a strong, energy-filled high-end 2C in a few years, but right now he's more of a growing, gritty 3C jitterbug.
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