Red Wings Reportedly Interested in Acquiring $65M Blues Star Forward

Detroit could look to add St. Louis' Robert Thomas before the NHL trade deadline.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Detroit Red Wings are reportedly interested in acquiring St. Louis Blues forward Robert Thomas ahead of the NHL trade deadline on March 6. Thomas, who is in the third year of an eight-year, $65 million contract, would provide a significant boost to Detroit's top-six forward group as the team pushes for a playoff spot.

Why it matters

The Red Wings are currently holding onto a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, and adding a talented two-way center like Thomas could help solidify their lineup and give them a better chance of making the postseason. Thomas is a former Stanley Cup champion who would bring valuable experience to the young Red Wings roster.

The details

According to Red Wings insider Ansar Khan, the team would "love" to acquire Thomas, who has 11 goals and 22 assists in 42 games this season. The 23-year-old center is signed long-term with a team-friendly $8.125 million average annual value, but the price to pry him away from the struggling Blues would likely be substantial. Thomas has a no-trade clause, so he would need to approve any potential deal.

  • The NHL trade deadline is set for March 6, 2026.
  • The Red Wings will return from the Olympic break on February 26, 2026 to face the Ottawa Senators.

The players

Robert Thomas

A 23-year-old center for the St. Louis Blues who is in the third year of an eight-year, $65 million contract. Thomas won the Stanley Cup with the Blues as a rookie in 2019 and would provide valuable two-way play and playoff experience to the Red Wings.

Steve Yzerman

The general manager of the Detroit Red Wings who is reportedly interested in acquiring Robert Thomas to bolster the team's roster for a playoff push.

Todd McLellan

The head coach of the Detroit Red Wings who has stressed the need for a "sense of urgency" from his team coming out of the Olympic break as they battle for a playoff spot.

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What they’re saying

“His name continues to churn in the rumor mill even though he's the Blues' No. 1 center, still young with upside and signed long-term with a team-friendly AAV for a player of his stature. But, if he is available, the Red Wings would love to have him.”

— Ansar Khan, Red Wings Insider (MLive)

“It's part of it. We know where we're at in the standings. When you're in this position, stuff like that happens. You've just got to own it. I'm a big part of the reason we're here to where we're at. I know stuff like that's going to come and go. It's been happening for the last couple of years.”

— Robert Thomas (The Hockey News)

What’s next

The Red Wings will need to determine if they are willing to pay the high price to acquire Robert Thomas from the Blues before the March 6 trade deadline. Thomas' no-trade clause also means he would need to approve any potential deal.

The takeaway

Adding a talented two-way center like Robert Thomas could be a game-changer for the Red Wings as they push for a playoff spot. However, the high cost and Thomas' no-trade clause mean Detroit will have to be strategic in their pursuit of the 23-year-old star.