One of the names linked to the Islanders in recent days is Jordan Kyrou, the talented forward from the St. Louis Blues. With his speed and scoring ability, Kyrou could provide an immediate offensive spark for New York if a deal were to materialize before the deadline.

However, negotiations appear to be facing a significant obstacle. According to NHL insider Stefen Rosner, “If the #stlblues insist on D prospect Kashawn Aitcheson (2025, No. 17) in a potential Jordan Kyrou deal, I’m told that likely takes the #Isles out of the mix.”

Islanders hesitant to include top prospect in deal

Kyrou is currently in the third year of an eight-year, $65 million contract and also holds a full no-trade clause, meaning any potential trade would require his approval. The forward has recorded 33 points in 51 games this season and remains one of the Blues’ most dynamic offensive players.

A major sticking point in negotiations is Kashawn Aitcheson, a highly regarded defensive prospect. Currently playing for the Barrie Colts in the Ontario Hockey League, Aitcheson has posted an impressive 63 points in 48 games this season and continues to rise as one of the most promising young defensemen in junior hockey.

Robert Thomas also on Islanders’ radar

While Kyrou has been the primary focus of discussions, the Islanders have reportedly also explored the possibility of acquiring Robert Thomas, another key forward from the Blues.

Thomas, like Kyrou, is signed to an eight-year, $65 million contract and carries a full no-trade clause. The center has recorded 37 points in 44 games this season and could represent another major offensive addition for New York if the Islanders decide to pursue a different trade path before the deadline.

The agreement, finalized in 2022, committed the NHL team to an eight-year, $65 million extension with an average annual value of $8.125 million, a deal designed to keep him in St. Louis through the 2030-31 season.

The contract reflects the organization’s belief that the young center can anchor the roster for years to come. As they continue reshaping their lineup, the structure and length of his deal quietly sit at the center of that long-term vision.

Robert Thomas’ contract with the St. Louis Blues

When the St. Louis Blues decided to lock up Robert Thomas with a long-term extension in 2022, the move signaled more than simple roster continuity. It reflected the organization’s belief that the young center would become a cornerstone of the team’s next competitive era.

The deal, announced in July, is an eight-year contract worth $65 million, designed to keep him in St. Louis through the 2030-31 NHL season. Actualmente esta llevando a cabo su tercer año dentro de la extensión.

The extension began in the 2023-24 season after he completed a previous bridge contract. By committing to such a lengthy term, the Blues effectively ensured that one of their most creative offensive players would remain part of the roster through his prime years.

At the time of the signing, the organization emphasized that stability at the center position was essential to maintaining a competitive structure. However, in 2026 a possible trade began to be rumored.

Will Robert Thomas be traded by the St. Louis Blues?

Trade speculation surrounding Robert Thomas intensified during the 2026 season, particularly as the St. Louis Blues approached the NHL trade deadline while struggling in the standings.

When teams fall out of the playoff picture, rival clubs often begin calling about their most valuable assets, and he quickly became one of the most discussed names on the market.

Several franchises reportedly explored the possibility of acquiring the 26-year-old center. Teams such as the Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings and others were linked to potential discussions, while insiders noted that the Blues had set a very high asking price for any deal involving their top playmaker.

Negotiations with Buffalo even progressed significantly before ultimately stalling when the teams failed to agree on the return package. One important factor complicating any move is Thomas’ contract protection.

The center holds a full no-trade clause, meaning he would have to approve any potential destination. Because of that clause and his importance to the roster, a trade remains possible but far from certain.

What is Robert Thomas’ salary with the Blues?

Under the current agreement, Robert Thomas carries an average annual value of $8.125 million, which counts as his yearly cap hit against the NHL salary cap. Over the full eight-year span of the contract, the total value reaches $65 million.

The structure of the deal means that his actual yearly earnings fluctuate slightly from season to season. For example, during the 2025-26 season, he is scheduled to receive a base salary of about $10.5 million, even though the cap hit remains fixed at $8.125 million.

For St. Louis, that steady cap number is the most important figure. It allows the club to plan roster construction around a predictable financial commitment while keeping one of its top playmaking centers under contract well into the future.

How many years has Robert Thomas played for the Blues?

Robert Thomas’ connection with the St. Louis Blues dates back to the 2017 NHL Draft, when the team selected him in the first round with the 20th overall pick. After developing in junior hockey, he made his NHL debut during the 2018-19 season, immediately becoming part of the lineup in a year that ended with the franchise’s first Stanley Cup championship.

Since that debut, he has spent his entire NHL career with the Blues, gradually evolving from a promising young forward into one of the team’s most reliable offensive contributors.

By the mid-2020s, he had accumulated multiple seasons with the organization, establishing himself as a central piece of the team’s offensive structure and playmaking engine.

Remaining with one franchise for the entirety of his career so far has helped Thomas build a strong identity within the Blues’ lineup. As his contract carries him toward the end of the decade, his tenure with St. Louis continues to grow.

Trocheck, who was a game-time decision, scored a crucial goal alongside Alexis Lafreniere, helping the Rangers regain momentum. The victory showed glimpses of the smart, disciplined play that the team hopes to carry forward in upcoming matchups.

“I thought we played a lot smarter tonight than we had in the last couple of games; protecting the puck a little better, knowing when is the right time to try someone one-on-one and we played sound defensively. We’ve got to keep that up,” Trocheck said via NHL.com.

Rangers must maintain smart play

Despite being limited by injuries this season, Trocheck has shown why he is one of the league’s most underrated centers. After missing roughly a month earlier in the year, he’s tallied four goals and eight points in just 10 games, proving his value to a team still searching for consistency.

With the win, the Rangers improved to 11-11-2 on the season. They remain at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division, a point behind the Columbus Blue Jackets, but the victory over the Blues gives them a chance to reset and build momentum heading into their next matchup.

What’s next for the Rangers?

The Rangers will look to carry over their improved play when they return to the ice against the division-leading Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. ET. Coach Mike Sullivan emphasized the importance of attacking the blue paint and finishing in high-danger areas.

“I thought we did a good job of getting inside in the offensive zone, just getting to the blue paint,” Sullivan said. “’Eddy’s’ goal and ‘Laf’s’ goal, just getting to the blue paint. That’s where the majority of the goals are scored in this League. It’s no secret.”

Much of that turnaround stemmed from the play of backup goaltender Joel Hofer, who delivered his third career NHL shutout with 27 saves. Just 24 hours earlier, the Blues were coming off a humbling 6–1 defeat to the Washington Capitals, a loss that prompted Montgomery to bench forward Jordan Kyrou in a bid to reset the team’s mindset.

This time, the message appeared to land. Hofer’s calm presence in net set the tone, and his timely saves gave the Blues the confidence they had been lacking. The defensive group responded with grit, recording 19 blocked shots and three successful penalty kills in one of their most disciplined outings of the season.

How Montgomery’s message sparked a needed response

After the game, Montgomery’s praise was pointed and purposeful. “I thought the majority of the game the effort was significantly better than yesterday. I thought the physicality was good. I liked the way we dug in. There were numerous blocked shots and our goaltender was our best player, and that’s what you need on the road,” he told reporters, per The Athletic’s Jeremy Rutherford.

The comments captured the balance Montgomery has been searching for—a team willing to defend hard, commit to details, and rely on strong goaltending. For Hofer, it was a defining moment, proving he could handle the pressure of leading the team through adversity.

A blueprint for the Blues’ climb back to form

Offensively, the Blues found timely production from Mathieu Joseph, who scored a short-handed goal in the first period before assisting on tallies by Nick Bjugstad and Justin Faulk. That combination of opportunism and defensive structure was precisely what Montgomery demanded after recent struggles.

The 3–0 victory lifted St. Louis to 5–8–2, providing both statistical and psychological relief. With a four-game homestand on the horizon—featuring matchups against the Seattle Kraken, Calgary Flames, Philadelphia Flyers, Vegas Golden Knights, and Toronto Maple Leafs—the Blues now have a chance to regain momentum.

Head coach Todd McLellan confirmed that Kane will not travel with the team for the start of their five-game road trip. The team currently holds the top spot in the Atlantic Division with a 6-3-0 record, making it vital to maintain consistency while key players recover.

Kane’s absence has forced the Red Wings to adjust their lines, with Lucas Raymond moving to the second line and Mason Appleton remaining on the first line. Despite these changes, Detroit managed a 2-1 overtime victory in its last game, though the offense has struggled without its veteran forward.

“Kane won’t travel with the Detroit Red Wings for the start of their upcoming five-game road trip, but could join the team partway through,” McLellan told broadcast reporter Daniella Bruce.

Red Wings adjust while Kane recovers

Since joining Detroit in 2023, Kane has been a consistent contributor. In his first season, he tallied 47 points (20 goals, 27 assists) in 50 games. This season, he recorded five points (2 goals, 3 assists) in five games before his injury, maintaining a point-per-game pace.

The Red Wings’ offense has been noticeably impacted by Kane’s absence. His line typically outshoots opponents 51-37, but without him, the team has been outscored in recent games, signaling the challenge of sustaining production.

Kane signed a one-year, $3 million deal with the Red Wings during the offseason. The team will monitor his recovery closely, hoping for a timely return to maintain their strong start to the 2025–26 NHL season.

The Canucks need to get back on track before the air begins to grow tense in Vancity. It’s very early in the 2025-26 NHL season, but it’s never too early for drama in Vancouver. Pettersson, Hughes, and Foote are well aware of that, and it’s up to them to right the ship.

With the team’s best forward and defenseman accounting for just one point each through three games, many wonder if the coaching staff will try to push them and inspire a reaction. However, Foote is taking a very different approach, giving them space instead.

“It’s early in the season, we’re in game three. We’re not going to get into that,” Foote answered during his post-game media availability. “The top guys know. I’m sure they’re thinking about their power play, it’s been three games and they want to get it going. We’re not going to over-analyze that at this moment.”

Concerning

For Canucks fans, the summer of 2025 in Vancouver felt endless. After an early ending to the 2024-25 NHL campaign, the team had lots of time to re-group before the new season. Much was talked about Pettersson and his physical changes, yet those have yet to translate onto the score sheet.

Three games into the NHL regular season, the Swede has yet to find the back of the net. It’s not something for Vancouver to panic over, but it is concerning to say the least. The organization hoped to get the 26-year-old’s best version, and that hasn’t been the case so far.

If anything, it’s trending to look awfully similar to his performance during the past year. Last season, it took six games for Pettersson to record his first goal. At some point, the Canucks will need a bigger goal-production from their best forward.

At a loss of answers

As for Hughes, his season hasn’t gotten off to any better of a start—at least in the offensive zone. So far, the star blueliner has recorded one assist. It’s his lowest production over the first three games of a season in his career. Hughes had never registered fewer than two points or produced below a 0.66 point-per-game pace in the opening three outings.

“They’re a good team, and they’re just making a lot of plays and we probably weren’t matching that. If I had the answer, I would have capitalized on that and had a goal and assist. But I don’t know,” Hughes said after the 5-2 loss to the Blues, via NHL.com.

Hughes’ lack of certainty in his statement hinted at his confusion about the current state of the Canucks. Something must change for Vancouver. It doesn’t come down to one area of the ice or any single player, though—it will take an effort from everyone in the lineup. Still, the Canucks stars staring down from those massive banners at Rogers Arena will have more to answer for.

The Blues are rolling their dice with Milan Lucic, who won the 2011 Stanley Cup with Marchand back in Boston. Lucic signed a professional tryout contract (PTO) with St. Louis, but is facing an uphill battle to make the opening night roster. The Blues will open the 2025-26 NHL campaign on October 9 against the Minnesota Wild at home.

The odds of Lucic being on the ice at Enterprise Center for that Central Division showdown are quite low. However, they are never zero. As Lucic battles with an injury, the clock is ticking for him to recover and make his case to Blues head coach Jim Montgomery and the staff.

“[Lucic is] day-to-day. He’s walking around fine. It’s just a matter of being able to push out there,“ Montgomery admitted, per The Athletic. ”It’s unfortunate timing for him and us for the evaluation process to see if he can make the club.“

Battle-ready

At 37 and with more than 15 years of NHL experience, Lucic brings plenty of mileage. The Blues could benefit from his veteran presence this season, but Montgomery and company won’t take on a passenger.

If Lucic is signed, he’ll be in St. Louis to contribute consistently. To make that happen, the Blues need to see how he performs on the ice. On that note, the head coach in The Lou dropped a concise message for the forward.

“If he’s really day-to-day, and he’s back to play next week, he’ll get into games and we’ll see if he can make the team,” Jim Montgomery commented on the situation.

Why has Lucic been out of the league?

Lucic has been out for a while. He took an indefinite leave of absence in 2023, and since, the 37-year-old winger hasn’t played in an NHL game. He was accused of domestic violence before all charges were dropped by the prosecution. Afterwards, Lucic completed the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program and was reinstated by the league.

It’s no surprise Montgomery is backing Lucic’s second chance. He was Lucic’s last coach in Boston during the 2023-24 season. Although the Canadian winger suited up for only four games that year alongside Marchand and company, it seems Montgomery has unfinished business with the former 2006 second-round pick.

Still, it’s now on Lucic to bounce back from his setback and prove his worth to the team. After all, all roads may still lead to Rome—or in this case, the Rome of the West.

Under the leadership of Jim Montgomery, who took over the team in November 2024, the Blues enter the new campaign with the mission of reaching the playoffs and solidifying their identity around their young core, now complemented by the experience of a player who has suited up for both the Bruins and the Oilers.

Key players like Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou will be the ones driving the expectations for the Blues. At the same time, the coaching staff aims to blend that speed and puck possession with the presence of a seasoned player who once shined in the league.

Who is the new Blues player?

The St. Louis Blues confirmed on Tuesday that veteran winger Milan Lucic will attend training camp on a professional tryout contract (PTO), giving the 37-year-old forward a chance to extend his NHL career.

Lucic has an extensive NHL track record, which includes two stints in Boston, where he played alongside Marchand. His career also featured three seasons in Edmonton with McDavid and additional stretches with the Calgary Flames and Los Angeles Kings. At his advanced age, the forward will have one more chance to gain playing time in the big leagues after not seeing any action last season.

When was Lucic’s last experience?

Lucic’s last NHL appearance came with the Bruins in the 2023-24 season under then-head coach and current Blues bench boss Jim Montgomery. He played in just four games, recording two assists, but that connection with the head coach has earned him another opportunity in St. Louis.

But then — silence. Days turned to weeks without a single credible update. No blockbuster announcement, no leaks from team executives, no “sources confirm” headlines. The momentum that once seemed inevitable evaporated, leaving fans to wonder what exactly went wrong.

This week, that question was finally answered. Appearing on The Shaun Starr Show, NHL insider Marco D’Amico peeled back the curtain on why Byram stayed put. The story, as it turns out, was less about a single failed negotiation and more about a growing, league-wide challenge.

Why did the Bowen Byram trade market collapse?

According to D’Amico, the problem was a fundamental disconnect between buyers and sellers. “The key right now is that we didn’t necessarily see a wide range of sellers. But we had a wide range of buyers. And the issue is, the currency that the buyers were willing to give, the sellers were not wanting,” he explained.

The Blues and other interested clubs were prepared to offer futures — draft picks and developing prospects — but Buffalo, who controls Byram’s rights, wanted established, NHL-ready talent. Without that, negotiations stalled before they could gain real traction.

A shift in how NHL trades are getting done

D’Amico noted that Buffalo’s stance reflects a broader offseason pattern. Recent deals, like JJ Peterka’s move from Buffalo to Utah, have been player-for-player swaps instead of pick-heavy trades. “Teams want help now, not years from now,” he added, framing it as a shift toward immediacy that leaves “future assets” carrying less trade weight than before.

Byram’s contract status only complicated matters. With two years left on his current deal, the Sabres saw no urgency to move him at a discount. Instead, they opted to “kick the can down the road” and wait for a time when his market value might rise again.

Laine leads the Canadiens’ offense, which showed signs of improvement last season. The Montreal right wing made a significant impact with his goal-scoring ability, becoming a key piece in the team’s offensive push. Now, expectations are high heading into the upcoming campaign.

However, the Canadiens remain interested in further strengthening their attack by adding a top-tier forward who is also on the radar of the Blackhawks, looking to accelerate their rebuild, and the Islanders, who are hoping to add scoring depth.

Who is the player Montreal is negotiating for with St. Louis?

According to Frank Seravalli and Chris Johnston, the Canadiens have entered discussions with the St. Louis Blues to explore a potential trade for standout winger Jordan Kyrou, who is currently under an eight-year, $65 million contract, as part of their plan to bolster their second scoring line.

Kyrou would be an ideal complement to Montreal’s attack, especially if Laine maintains his level of play. The main obstacle is Kyrou’s no-trade clause, which became active on July 1. Nevertheless, the front office is confident they can convince Kyrou to accept the move and join the Canadiens.

Advantage over the Blackhawks and Islanders

Several teams, including the Blackhawks and Islanders, have shown interest in Kyrou in recent days. In this context, the Canadiens hold a slight advantage and are willing to make another major splash this summer, leading the talks for the Blues’ star forward.

The Sharks are in a deep rebuilding phase under general manager Mike Grier, who since 2022 has focused his efforts on creating a long-term competitive core. After finishing with the league’s worst record in two consecutive seasons, the team is looking to retool and move forward.

Adding two experienced Cup-winning players can be a big positive for the Sharks. At the same time, in free agency, they have opted for short, strategic contracts to reach the NHL salary cap floor while also accumulating assets for potential future trades.

Which players are joining the Sharks?

The two Stanley Cup-winning players joining the Sharks are defenseman Nick Leddy, who was claimed off waivers from the Blues, and defenseman Dmitry Orlov, who arrives in San Jose from the Hurricanes on a two-year, $13 million contract ($6.5 million AAV).

Orlov, 33, comes from the Hurricanes, where he recorded 6 goals and 28 points in 76 games during the 2024–25 season, averaging 20 minutes per game and adding 4 assists in 15 playoff games before the team was eliminated by the Florida Panthers.

Leddy joined San Jose after spending over three seasons in St. Louis. In 2024–25, he played 31 games and was limited by an injury but still holds a current contract with a $4 million AAV. His extensive experience is backed by over 1,000 NHL games played.

When did they win the Stanley Cup?

Orlov won the Stanley Cup with the Washington Capitals in 2018 alongside Alex Ovechkin, defeating the Vegas Golden Knights. Meanwhile, the veteran Leddy captured the Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2013, beating the Boston Bruins.