# Why Was Doug Armstrong WILLING to Trade Robert Thomas?| Draft Prospects: Nikita Klepov,

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-blues-daily-podcast-on-the-st-louis-blues-468518/why-was-doug-armstrong-willing-to-trade-robert-thomas-draft-prospects-nikita-klepov
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-blues-daily-podcast-on-the-st-louis-blues-468518/why-was-doug-armstrong-willing-to-trade-robert-thomas-draft-prospects-nikita-klepov.md
Podcast: [Locked On Blues - Daily Podcast On The St. Louis Blues](https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-blues-daily-podcast-on-the-st-louis-blues-468518)
Published: 2026-06-10T01:38:13+00:00
Episode link: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-blues/
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pdrl.fm/790186/lockedon.simplecastaudio.com/ecf2ad22-3f77-4d46-b0a4-af376eca27e4/episodes/6b950c67-511f-4622-8aa7-f93e7b773f56/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=ecf2ad22-3f77-4d46-b0a4-af376eca27e4&awEpisodeId=6b950c67-511f-4622-8aa7-f93e7b773f56&feed=T2g9OFjn
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Duration seconds: 1566

## Resource

In today's episode, we dive into the surprising revelation that Doug Armstrong was willing to include Robert Thomas in trade discussions years ago and what that says about the Blues' roster-building philosophy. We examine the context behind those rumors, how Thomas developed into the franchise cornerstone he is today, and why the organization ultimately doubled down on their star center. Plus, it's another installment of our NHL Draft Prospect Series as we spotlight Russian forward Nikita Klepov. What makes Klepov an intriguing option for the St. Louis Blues? We break down his strengths, weaknesses, offensive upside, and where he could fit into the Blues' future plans as the draft approaches. Could the Blues have looked drastically different had a Thomas trade happened? And is Nikita Klepov a prospect worth betting on? We discuss all that and more on today's episode of Locked On Blues.

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