Thomas named Blues captain ahead of training camp

Robert Thomas was named captain of the St. Louis Blues on Sept. 2, two weeks before they begin training camp. 

The 27-year-old center replaces Brayden Schenn, who was traded to the New York Islanders on March 6.

Thomas said he's learned a lot from past St. Louis captains in how to handle the role.

"Like I was saying about the alumni and all the great players I've gotten to play with and learn from I think the No. 1 thing is being authentic, being yourself," Thomas said Thursday. "You take bits and pieces from everyone, but you have to really believe in yourself and the leadership group and that's something we really believe in." 

Forwards Jake Neighbours and Dylan Holloway and defensemen Colton Parayko and Philip Broberg will rotate as alternate captains.

Selected by St. Louis in the first round (No. 20) of the 2017 NHL Draft, Thomas has led the Blues in scoring each of the past three seasons, including 64 points (25 goals, 39 assists) in 64 games last season, and an NHL career-high 86 points (26 goals, 60 assists) in 82 games in 2023-24.

He has averaged 1.03 points per game (373 points in 361 games) since the beginning of the 2021-22 season, tied for 23rd among NHL players with at least 200 games played during that span.

Thomas, who has five seasons left on an eight-year, $65 million contract ($8.125 million average annual value) he signed in July 2022, has 460 points (132 goals, 328 assists) in 530 regular-season games with St. Louis, and 26 points (six goals, 20 assists) in 52 Stanley Cup Playoff games. That includes six points (one goal, five assists) in 21 games as a rookie to help the Blues win the Cup in 2019.

St. Louis plays its season opener at the Dallas Stars on Oct. 2 (9 p.m. ET; HBO MAX, truTV, TNT).

Nine NHL teams are without a captain: the Anaheim Ducks, Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Los Angeles Kings, New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators, San Jose Sharks and Vancouver Canucks.