NHL Trade Rumors on Robert Thomas and More as 2026 Deadline Approaches

The NHL Trade Deadline is Friday, March 6 at 3:00 p.m. and several teams have already made deals for players they hope will spur them to a deep playoff run and, ultimately, the Stanley Cup.

Other teams are still working on acquiring talent or, in some cases, selling it off amid lackluster seasons and failed postseason pursuits.

Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues, a star center, remains one of the top potential prizes for contending teams ahead of the deadline. What is the latest on the 26-year-old and who else could make headlines by the time the clock strikes three Friday afternoon?

Find out in this collection of insider reports.

Blues, Sabres Talks for Robert Thomas Cool Down

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St. Louis Blues star Robert Thomas is arguably the top available center ahead of Friday's trade deadline, and for a moment on Wednesday, it appeared as though the 26-year-old would find a new home.

TSN's Darren Dreger reported that the Blues and the Buffalo Sabres engaged in deep trade discussions for Thomas. Still, the Sabres were unwilling to part with the prospects, player, and first-round pick that St. Louis wanted to complete the deal.

It is not a surprise that the Blues would want a hefty return for Thomas. He is still a young player at a key position on the ice, for which there is considerable demand at the deadline.

In 22:26 of ice time this season, Thomas has scored 13 goals and tallied 24 assists. In two of the last three seasons, he has totaled over 80 points. In the 2021-22 season, he was responsible for six game-winning goals.

Thomas returned earlier this month after missing time due to a right leg injury and a personal matter.

For the Blues, second-to-last in the Western Conference, a rebuild is likely in order and any team willing to pay their price can elite passer with superb puck handling and an evolving two-way game.

Floundering Panthers Dangling Sergei Bobrovsky

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The two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers sit second-to-last in the Eastern Conference and may be ready to trade a key piece.

TSN NHL insider Pierre LeBrun reported, "The Panthers lost again last night, and my understanding is they've made the decision to be sellers as far as listening on pending UFAs, which most notably include the likes of AJ. Greer and Sergei Bobrovsky."

The 37-year-old Bobrovsky has played in 43 games, won 22, tallied three shutouts, and established an .873 save percentage. It is the lowest save percentage of his career.

With the veteran goalkeeper currently an unrestricted free agent this off-season, and his play declining statistically, it makes sense that the Panthers would at least listen to offers rather than allowing him to walk away in the offseason without anything in return.

At the same time, if Bobrovsky is on the decline, as his numbers and play this season have suggested, there are real questions about any team's willingness to part with valuable assets to acquire him.

Bobrovsky's play, and key injuries up and down the roster, have hampered Florida this season, and the team is in danger of becoming the first squad since the 2015 Los Angeles Kings to miss the playoffs the following season.

Devils Listening to Calls for Simon Nemec

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The New Jersey Devils are in the midst of a disappointing season, third from the bottom in the Eastern Conference. As a result, LeBrun reported the organization is listening to calls for former No. 2 overall pick, defenseman Simon Nemec.

Taken in the 2022 NHL Draft, the 22-year-old from Slovakia has not produced significantly yet, though his opportunities have been limited.

He has played in 48 games this season, with nine goals and 21 assists in 19:41 of ice time. His shooting percentage is 12.5 and he has been responsible for three game-winning and three overtime goals.

An elite decision-maker applauded for his on-ice creativity, he is clearly on the upswing, and a player that teams will be interested in adding.

LeBrun noted, "New Jersey happy to keep him, but if there's a deal that upgrades their forwards in a real way, they're going to listen..."