Blues make decision on trading Robert Thomas originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Because the St. Louis Blues didn't make as many trades before March's in-season deadline as many expected, they still have a lot of potential rumors and plans to wade through as the offseason arrives.

That includes with Robert Thomas, the talented center who many thought would be dealt by that March deadline.

Thomas instead remained with the Blues for the rest of the season, and this summer could bring about more speculation about a deal.

The Blues certainly could consider a rebuild, but they've got a bunch of veterans on board that might have to be traded to do that, including the likes of Jordan Binnington, Jordan Kyrou and Colton Parayko.

As far as present talent, Thomas might have the most, which could bring back a big package in a trade.

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On the flip side, the Blues hesitated about such a deal during the season. Maybe they will still do so now.

For what it's worth, Blues TV guy Andy Strickland posted on X on Friday clarifying that the Blues don't plan to trade Thomas this offseason:

While things can still change, that suggests that for now, the Blues want to head into a new season with Thomas still wearing their uniform.

And if that's true, it also might point to relatively tame proceedings in other negotiations, too with the chance to keep a core group together rather than split them up.

There could still be twists in this tale, though, so stay tuned.