Friedman confirms failed blockbuster trade involving multiple teams at the deadline

Rumors swirled for weeks that the superstar center was heading to a Stanley Cup contender. The entire locker room braced for a franchise-altering move.

Elliotte Friedman confirmed the speculation following the deadline. The insider revealed that Pittsburgh, Utah, and Ottawa were all aggressively bidding for his services.

Robert Thomas is the absolute focal point of the offense in Missouri. With 39 points already in the bank this season, his value around the league is astronomical.

Ultimately, the front office refused to lower their massive asking price. Management demanded a haul of premium assets they just couldn't get.

The 26-year-old forward is currently playing out a lucrative long-term extension. He carries a heavy $8.12 million cap hit, making any transaction complicated for contending rosters.

The Blues are currently sitting with a 23-29-9 record. It has been a wildly inconsistent campaign defined by defensive lapses and painful blown leads.

Moving their top center would have signaled a complete rebuild. Instead it looks like they are going to try and move him in the off-season.

Utah and Pittsburgh desperately needed his offensive output to solidify their top six. Both clubs eventually pivoted to cheaper depth options before the clock struck zero.

Over his NHL career, the dynamic playmaker has proven he can drive the transition game single-handedly. He already owns a Stanley Cup ring from the 2019 playoff run.

It would have been nice to move on from Thomas at the deadline, but the Blues did not want to lower their asking price for him.

The trade rumors are officially dead until the summer arrives. The superstar is staying put, and the Blues are ready to drop the puck and get back to work.