Before the trade deadline, there were major rumors about the Utah Mammoth trading for St. Louis Blues superstar Robert Thomas. However, the deal never occurred for several reasons, leaving the Mammoth without the center. Utah would, of course, go on to lose in the first round of the 2026 playoffs 4-2 to the Vegas Golden Knights. Could trading for Thomas have changed things for Utah in 2026?
Thomas would've helped, but the Mammoth made the right decision
Thomas has been consistent throughout his career and led the Blues in points during the 2025-26 season. Last season, Thomas scored 25 goals and 64 points in 64 games. Thomas did much better at the end of the season as the Blues made a push for a wildcard spot, but they couldn't catch Utah. Thomas most certainly would've helped the Mammoth's offense play better against Vegas, but with the young team they have and the window of competition opening, it is a very good thing Utah didn't complete the trade. Utah was going to have to give up a lot for the 27-year-old, players that can honestly be better than Thomas in the future.
According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Blues were asking for either Caleb Desnoyers or Tij Iginla. The Mammoth hopes to have two superstars in the future, with the talented Desnoyers being the 4th overall selection in the 2025 NHL draft. Meanwhile, Iginla, the 6th overall selection of the 2024 NHL draft, has become one of the best prospects in hockey after scoring 41 goals and adding 49 assists in the WHL in the 2025-26 season. Both players have become virtually untouchable, especially the latter in Iginla, who seems to be determined to reach the NHL.
Giving either of the mega-prospects, who, by the way, are both only 19, would've been a massive mistake. Thomas is good, but the ceiling for Desnoyers and Iginla is higher than what Thomas can provide- especially Iginla. It is a good thing that Utah didn't trade for Thomas, even if he helped the team get deeper into the postseason.
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