The St. Louis Blues and forward Robert Thomas have agreed to an eight-year contract extension with an average annual value of $8.125 million.
Thomas was already signed through 2022-23 at a cap hit of $2.8 million. He was due to become a pending restricted free agent if the Blues didn't sign him by next summer.
The 23-year-old had a major breakout season in 2021-22, posting 77 points - including 60 at even strength - in 72 games in a larger role in St. Louis' top six. Thomas settled into the Blues' No. 2 center role behind captain Ryan O'Reilly this past season, logging almost 19 minutes per contest.
When Thomas' new deal kicks in for the 2023-24 campaign, he'll be the Blues' highest-paid player. O'Reilly and longtime St. Louis winger Vladimir Tarasenko each make $7.5 million but are entering the final years of their respective contracts come October.
The Blues drafted Thomas 20th overall in 2017.
