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The reason Penguins halted Robert Thomas trade talks revealed by Elliotte Friedman
Photo credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
Elliotte Friedman reports Dan Muse's Penguins asked about Robert Thomas (26, 2017 STL 1st-rounder), but the $8.125M AAV center's price was too steep.
Pittsburgh desperately needs elite talent down the middle to extend their shrinking window. The locker room knows the clock is ticking.
The asking price from St. Louis was astronomical. Doug Armstrong never gives away his assets for free.
"Pittsburgh, I think they were in on Robert Thomas, but I just don't think the ask they were willing to do."
- Elliotte Friedman
- Elliotte Friedman
Thomas brings elite vision and solid execution to the ice. He is a top-line distributor who elevates his linemates.
Over his NHL career, he has proven capable of driving the transition game against tough matchups. He consistently generates clean zone entries.
Taking on a contract running through 2030-31 requires absolute certainty. The Penguins lack the cap space to absorb that long-term commitment.
Management is already suffocating against the salary cap ceiling. Making the math work required moving multiple roster players.
The Cost of Doing Business
Any blockbuster package would have gutted the remaining Pittsburgh prospect pool. They are already thin on future talent.
You do not surrender multiple first-round picks unless a championship is guaranteed. The risks outweighed the rewards.
Thomas boasts 40 points this season and consistently creates controlled entries for his wingers. His playmaking is undeniably elite.
But if he goes cold and is held scoreless during a tough homestand, that contract becomes an anchor. The pressure is intense.
Consistency is the deciding factor.
Pittsburgh wisely opted to maintain financial flexibility heading into Friday. Walking away takes discipline.
This is the right call for a front office attempting a quick retool on the fly. You simply cannot mortgage the entire future for one piece.
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| POLL | ||
MARS 9|135 ANSWERS The reason Penguins halted Robert Thomas trade talks revealed by Elliotte Friedman Did Pittsburgh make the right decision by walking away from Robert Thomas ? | ||
| Yes | 110 | 81.5 % |
| No | 25 | 18.5 % |
| List of polls | ||