2-Year Extension for Nathan Walker & Robert Thomas is an All-Star
Also, why the Blues will be active at the trade deadline & more
Welcome to the THW St. Louis Blues Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our team of Blues writers.
In today’s edition, we have a two-year extension for Nathan Walker, an All-Star nod for Robert Thomas, and more.
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Blue Note Weekly Audio Report: Two Big Wins To Start the New Year
January 8, 2023 by Ethan Carter (Premium THW Substack Content)
In this edition, the Blues have won back-to-back games to begin the New Year, a few roster transactions, the success of Blues prospects at the 2024 World Juniors, and more.
Blues Sign Walker to 2-Year Extension
January 9, 2024 by Mike Meyer
St. Louis Blues President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Doug Armstrong announced today the team has signed forward Nathan Walker to a two-year, one-way contract extension worth $775,000 per year. Now in his fifth season with the Blues, Walker has posted 26 points (13 goals, 13 assists) in 101 regular-season games, including one goal in two games this season. Starting the season in the American Hockey League (AHL), the Australian has also recorded 29 points (13 goals, 16 assists) in 30 games with the Springfield Thunderbirds.
To date, he has appeared in 113 career NHL regular-season games, including stints with Washington, Edmonton, and St. Louis, tallying 28 points (14 goals, 14 assists) and 41 penalty minutes. He became the first Australian player to play in the NHL when he made his debut with the Washington Capitals on Oct. 7, 2017.
Blues’ Robert Thomas Named 2024 NHL All-Star
January 4, 2024 by Mike Meyer
The NHL’s 2024 All-Star’s have officially been named, among them St. Louis Blues forward Robert Thomas. The 24-year-old center is in the midst of one of the best seasons of his young career scoring 39 points (15 goals and 24 assists) in 36 games for a 1.08 point-per-game pace.
The 24-year-old Thomas was drafted by St. Louis 20th overall in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. After winning the Stanley Cup in 2019, the forward continued to play to a high level while developing and maturing into the club’s number-one center, splitting time on the top line alongside former team captain Ryan O’Reilly. With the acquisition of Pavel Buchnevich, Thomas broke onto the NHL scene during the 2021-22 season producing a career-high 20 goals and 77 points in 72 games, while winning 562 of 1,017 faceoff draws (49.9%).
Blues Should be Active at the Trade Deadline
January 4, 2024 by Evan Mead
The St. Louis Blues‘ struggles this season have placed them in a challenging position. Despite showing increased competitiveness since their head coaching change, they still have difficulty securing victories against top-tier teams. While there is ample time remaining in the season, concerns have arisen regarding the Blues’ current situation.
Given the abundance of top-end talent in their pipeline, the Blues may consider opening up roster spots for their promising prospects next season. Leveraging the trade deadline, especially with several players locked up long-term, could be a strategic move that benefits the organization. This approach would involve obtaining assets in return for players perceived as not critical to the team’s future.