Insider drops massive warning on Robert Thomas rumors

The NHL trade deadline is just four days away. The noise surrounding the Montreal market is getting incredibly loud.

Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman completely shook up the rumor mill this week. He reported that St. Louis might actually trade their 26-year-old star forward.

Finding a true number one center available on the trade block is almost unheard of in the modern NHL. Teams simply hold onto that kind of asset.

With the Canadiens lacking elite depth down the middle, fans immediately expected general manager Kent Hughes to enter the bidding war.

St. Louis management is reportedly demanding an absolute fortune. They want a package equivalent to three top-15 draft picks to even start talking.

Renaud Lavoie strongly disagreed with the idea of Montreal acquiring him. Speaking on BPM Sports, he urged the organization to stay away entirely.

Lavoie pointed out a glaring reality about the situation. If a team is actively shopping their best center, there is usually a very bad reason behind it.

"If the Canadiens were in the Blues' position in the standings, do you think Nick Suzuki would be available on the market? No," Lavoie stated bluntly.

He told listeners to get their alarms out because the situation is completely abnormal. He compared it directly to Montreal randomly deciding to dump their captain.

Lavoie then dropped a heavy accusation regarding the player's off-ice habits. He openly questioned his professionalism and overall dedication to physical fitness.

The financial commitment here is absolutely massive. Thomas is locked into an $8.125 million cap hit for the next five seasons.

He also holds complete control over his destiny. A full no-movement clause means he dictates where he goes, complicating any potential deal.

The offensive output is obviously there, with 12 goals and 35 points in 43 games this year. He remains a high-end playmaker.

Montreal must decide if solid execution on the ice outweighs a potential disaster in the locker room. Giving up the farm for questionable character is a massive gamble.

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