Robert Thomas, the 27-year-old center, has been named the 25th captain in St. Louis Blues history, marking a significant milestone in his career. This announcement comes during a press conference at the Enterprise Center, where Thomas will be joined by Blues General Manager Alexander Steen and Head Coach Jim Montgomery. The event, scheduled for 12:15 p.m. on September 3rd, will be live-streamed on YouTube, the Blues App, and stlouisblues.com, allowing fans to witness this historic moment. Thomas' selection as captain is a testament to his exceptional talent and leadership qualities, as he becomes the seventh original Blues draft pick to hold this prestigious role.
What makes Thomas' appointment particularly noteworthy is his remarkable journey. Drafted in the first round (No. 20 overall) in the 2017 NHL Draft, Thomas has been a cornerstone of the Blues' success. In his rookie season, he contributed 33 points (nine goals, 24 assists) in 70 regular-season games, playing a pivotal role in the team's first-ever Stanley Cup championship. Thomas' impact has only grown over the years, with a career-high 26 goals and 86 points in the 2023-24 season, followed by an 81-point campaign in 2024-25, becoming the first Blue since Brett Hull to achieve consecutive seasons of 80 or more points. He has also joined the elite company of Adam Oates and Bernie Federko, becoming the only players in Blues history to log at least 20 goals and 60 assists in multiple seasons.
Thomas' leadership skills are further evidenced by his performance last season, where he collected 64 points (25 goals, 39 assists) in 64 regular-season games. He ranked 12th in the NHL in points (31) and second in plus/minus (+25) following the Olympic break, solidifying his status as a top player in the league. Additionally, Thomas has led the team in points and time-on-ice per game in each of the last three seasons, further cementing his importance to the Blues' success.
The assistant captains for the 2026-27 season are Colton Parayko, Philip Broberg, Jake Neighbours, and Dylan Holloway. Parayko, a 33-year-old defenseman, has previously served as an assistant captain and holds the third-highest number of games played by a Blue (800), trailing only Bernie Federko and Barret Jackman. Broberg, a 25-year-old defenseman from Orebro, Sweden, has posted impressive numbers in his two seasons with the Blues, recording 14 goals and 49 assists (63 points) while serving as an assistant captain. Neighbours, a 24-year-old forward drafted in the first round (No. 26 overall) in the 2020 NHL Draft, has played in parts of five seasons with the Blues, accumulating 71 goals and 61 assists (132 points) and previously wearing an 'A' on his jersey.
Holloway, a 24-year-old forward from Calgary, Alberta, joined the Blues before the 2024-25 season and will wear an 'A' for the first time. In his two seasons with the team, he has recorded 48 goals and 66 assists (114 points) and signed a five-year contract extension in May. The appointment of these assistant captains further strengthens the Blues' leadership core, providing a solid foundation for the upcoming season.
In my opinion, the naming of Robert Thomas as captain is a well-deserved recognition of his exceptional skills and leadership. Thomas' ability to lead by example and his consistent performance over the years make him an ideal captain for the Blues. The selection of Parayko, Broberg, Neighbours, and Holloway as assistant captains also demonstrates the team's commitment to building a strong leadership group. As the Blues prepare for the 2026-27 season, fans can expect a cohesive and well-led team, ready to compete at the highest level.
This development raises a deeper question about the role of leadership in professional sports. It highlights the importance of recognizing and nurturing talent within the organization, as Thomas' journey from draft pick to captain is a testament to the Blues' ability to develop and empower their players. As the Blues continue to build upon their success, the leadership of Thomas and his assistant captains will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the team's future achievements.
