ST. LOUIS — As the Blues return from a long road trip in the early part of this season, young forward Robert Thomas is nearing his return to the ice.
Thomas could return as early as Thursday when the Blues host the Canucks; he has missed the past five games with an upper-body injury but skated regularly with the team on the trip. He skated Wednesday but ran line rushes with the fourth line.
"I'm feeling really good," Thomas said. "Everything's coming along really nicely and hoping to get back in here soon.
"I've got to talk with Chief but hopefully it's very, very soon. ... I wouldn't say ruling out tomorrow at all. I would say I still haven't talked to the docs or Chief. I think once we have that conversation, then we'll be able to make a decision."
Berube also left the door open.
"It's possible," he said. "He's feeling pretty good. He was fine again today, so we'll see tomorrow. There's a good chance he can play."
Thomas was asked if the injury is related to the wrist injury that hampered him towards the later rounds of the playoffs and subsequent surgery required for an injured left tendon.
"It had nothing to do with anything previous," Thomas said. "It was something that happened in Game 1. I've felt like I've progressed very well. I think I'll be back really, really soon.
"I was hoping it wasn't going to be this long. You've kind of just got to listen to your body and it'll tell you when you're ready. Everything's coming along really nicely and progressing good. Hoping to get back in there very soon."
The Blues take on the Vancouver Canucks at Enterprise Center Thursday night at 7 p.m.
