ST. LOUIS (AP) – St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas is set to return to the lineup for Tuesday night’s game against the Minnesota Wild after missing 12 games due to a fractured right ankle.
“It’s definitely frustrating to be out,” Thomas said. “I invested a lot in my recovery, and I’m really pleased with the outcome of getting back so quickly. I’m excited to be back on the ice with the guys.”
Thomas suffered the ankle fracture while blocking a shot against the Winnipeg Jets on October 22.
Initially, the Blues indicated that Thomas would be out for at least six weeks following his injury. However, he joined the team on their recent three-game road trip after practicing with the team on November 13.
“I started feeling better over the last few days of skating,” Thomas mentioned. “I reached a point where I was confident I was ready to play. I didn’t plan to go on the road trip at first, but I wanted to be with the team and take it day by day.”
Blues coach Drew Bannister acknowledged that Thomas has put in the effort to return to the lineup.
“He doesn’t seem to have missed a beat—he’s in excellent shape,” Bannister commented. “He spent about a week or so in Toronto working with his doctors, and I think that really helped speed up his recovery.”
Before getting injured, Thomas had recorded six points (one goal and five assists) in seven games.
The team has struggled without the 2024 NHL All-Star, going 4-7-1 over the 12 games he missed.
“I just want to be the player I know I can be,” Thomas said about his expectations for his return. “You can’t overcomplicate things or try to be too flashy at the start. It’s important to find your rhythm again after being out for so long. Today was my first real practice with the team, so it might take some time. Keeping it simple at first will be key.”
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