The Carolina Hurricanes are among the best teams within the NHL at the moment. The truth is, they own an eight-point lead over the Pittsburgh Penguins for first place within the Metropolitan Division. What makes Carolina an intriguing team, though, is their ability to make a splash move seemingly yearly.
The Hurricanes traded for Jake Guentzel in 2024 with the hope of winning the Stanley Cup. This didn’t pan out, and Guentzel went to the Tampa Bay Lightning within the offseason. Last yr, the Hurricanes swung a blockbuster trade for Mikko Rantanen. This lasted all of 13 games before they traded him to the Dallas Stars.
These moves didn’t produce the outcomes the Hurricanes hoped for. At the identical time, their aggressiveness is commendable. And their ability to take care of their aggressiveness is kind of impressive. Carolina is once more primed to make a blockbuster trade this season.
The Hurricanes have greater than $25 million in available salary cap space. Moreover, they own 4 first-round picks over the following three years. Their prospect pipeline is not spectacular, but there are quality players that could possibly be of interest to other teams.
Who Carolina should pursue is a matter of debate. Nonetheless, there may be one player who actually stands out. With this in mind, here’s a trade proposal that will see the Hurricanes land St. Louis Blues star Robert Thomas.
Full Robert Thomas trade proposal
On this trade proposal, the Carolina Hurricanes would acquire forward Robert Thomas from the St. Louis Blues. In exchange, the Blues would acquire forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi, forward Bradly Nadeau, an unconditional 2026 first-round pick, an unconditional 2027 second-round pick, and a conditional 2028 second-round pick.
If the Hurricanes make the Stanley Cup Final in either 2026 or 2027, the 2028 second-round pick becomes a 2028 first-round pick. St. Louis would receive the higher of Carolina’s pick and the pick originally owned by the Dallas Stars.
Hurricanes go for broke in Cup pursuit
The Hurricanes may not necessarily need a middle at the moment. Logan Stankoven has slot in well because the second-line center. They usually could theoretically get away with him in that role within the postseason. Stankoven isn’t any stranger to the postseason, having skated in 34 playoff games at just 22 years old.
Nonetheless, the Hurricanes could actually use a longtime point-per-game player. And that is what Robert Thomas is. He entered the 2025-26 season having recorded back-to-back 80+ point seasons. Had he played all 82 games last yr, the Blues star was on pace to record 95 points.
Injuries are one thing Carolina will need to think about when making this trade, in fact. He missed 12 games in 2024-25, and he only in the near past underwent a procedure that has sidelined him since January tenth. Thomas has only played a full 82 games once in his profession.
Still, when he’s on the ice, he’s very effective. Greater than this, the Blues star continues to be somewhat young. He is simply 26 years old at the moment. And he doesn’t turn 27 until someday after NHL Free Agency opens this summer. Thomas can be signed long-term, as he won’t be a free agent until 2031.
Players like this don’t come across the trade market often. The Hurricanes have gone for veteran players to fortify their rosters in previous seasons. This yr, the Hurricanes should make a run at a younger player with the potential to be even greater than he already is.
Blues begin rebuild with Thomas trade
The St. Louis Blues made the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season. This yr, they’ll hope for the bingo balls to fall their way within the NHL Draft Lottery. The Blues recently picked third in our most up-to-date 2026 NHL Mock Draft. At this current juncture, they’ve the second-highest odds within the lottery, based on Tankathon.
The Blues likely don’t desire to embrace an entire rebuild. Nonetheless, they could not have the talent on their roster that offers them one of the best probability at competing. Consequently, they might trade Thomas and start a rebuild that might bring that kind of talent into the organization.
St. Louis would not be completely punting on the present roster. Kotkaniemi can play within the NHL immediately, and he’s younger than Thomas. Bradly Nadeau could possibly be able to skate within the NHL this season, as well.
The principal a part of this return, though, is the draft picks. The Blues could walk away from this take care of two first-round picks, which can be a serious assist in their rebuild. It would definitely shatter the trade market, but given the circumstances, it’s definitely a good ask.
It’s hard to say what the longer term of the Blues holds. Nonetheless, they need to consider carefully about their vision of the longer term. If a suggestion like this comes across their desk for Thomas, they’ve to noticeably consider giving the green light.