NHL Rumor Roundup: Will Any Blues Trade Candidates Move This Summer? What About Blue Jackets' UFAs?
The St. Louis Blues continue to feature prominently in the NHL rumor mill.
With Doug Armstrong soon to hand over the management duties to Alexander Steen, some observers wonder what moves they'll make in the coming weeks.
Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic mused over whether the Blues intend to shop Robert Thomas. The 26-year-old center was the subject of rumors leading up to the March trade deadline. However, his performance improved following his return from injury.
If Robert Thomas Was Available For Trade Before, He Shouldn't Have Been, Nor Should Be Moving Forward
St. Louis Blues' No. 1 center found game again down stretch for second straight season, formulated team's No. 1 line with play with Dylan Holloway, Jimmy Snuggerud; but 26-year-old wants to hear management's plans moving forward despite four years left on contract
Turning to the Columbus Blue Jackets, Brian Hedger of the Columbus Dispatch looked at what's on GM Don Waddell's off-season "to-do" list.
Blue Jackets forwards Boone Jenner, Charlie Coyle, Mason Marchment and defenseman Erik Gudbranson are eligible for UFA status on July 1. Hedger doubted the Jackets could re-sign all four.
They must also work out new contracts for center Adam Fantilli, left winger Cole Sillinger and goaltender Jet Greaves, who are RFAs on July 1.
Hedger believes the rising salary cap will leave many teams flush with cap space this summer, making it difficult for the Blue Jackets to win any bidding wars for what little quality talent could be available in this summer's shallow free-agent pool.
Waddell could turn to the trade market if he's seeking players who can change the culture in the Blue Jackets' dressing room.
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This story was originally published April 21, 2026 at 11:00 AM.