Robert Thomas returns to St. Louis Blues lineup ahead of schedule

Robert Thomas will return to the St. Louis Blues lineup for tonight's game, two weeks earlier than expected. He fractured his ankle on October 22 and was initially projected to be out until early December. Thomas had a strong start to the season before his injury, averaging over 20 minutes of ice time per game. To make room for his return, the Blues placed Kasperi Kapanen on waivers, who has since been claimed by the Edmonton Oilers. With Thomas back, the Blues' forward group is now healthy, although they still face some defensive injuries. The team is close to a playoff spot in the Western Conference as they aim to end a two-year playoff drought.