Thomas (upper body) could return to the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Ducks.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas has been on the shelf for six games thus far while battling the upper-body issue. The 2017 first-round pick's return to the lineup Wednesday would be a boon for a Blues club that isn't completely out of playoff contention at this point. The 19-year-old would presumably slide back on to the power play, though he's no lock for a top-six role.

Thomas (upper body) will not join the Blues on their upcoming four-game road trip and has been placed on injured reserve, per the NHL media site.

EDGE Analysis

With Thomas slated to miss the next four games, it shouldn't come as a surprise to see him designated for IR. The center has racked up five goals, nine assists and 42 shots in his 37 outings this season. If Alexander Steen (shoulder) isn't cleared to play ahead of Saturday's clash with Dallas, the Blues will likely need to call-up a player form the minors.

Thomas won't return to Thursday's game against the Canadiens due to an upper-body injury.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas suffered his injury when he crashed into the boards behind Montreal's net midway through the first period of Thursday's contest. The severity of his injury has yet to be revealed, but another update on his status should surface ahead of Saturday's matchup with Dallas.

GM Doug Armstrong said Thomas wouldn't be loaned to Team Canada for the World Junior Championship, Pierre LeBrun of TSN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas played for won the gold medal with Team Canada last year in Buffalo, piling up six points in seven games. The 19-year-old was eligible to compete in the tournament again, but Armstrong determined it'd be better for Thomas' development to stay with the Blues where he's working on the third line and occasionally gets power-play minutes. Thomas has two goals and nine points through 25 games with the Blues.

Thomas scored his second career goal Saturday in a 6-1 road loss to the Coyotes.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas was in the right place at the right time, as he put just enough lumber on Jay Bouwmeester's point shot to change the puck's direction and watch it skip into the cage. Lauded for his two-way acumen, the 19-year-old rookie is up to eight points through 20 games, but he's only averaging 12:46 of ice time. The Blues understandably don't want to overwhelm the prospect as he adjusts to the rigors of the NHL.

Thomas will play his 10th NHL game Friday against the Sharks and will slot into the second power play, Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

By playing in his 10th NHL contest, Thomas will burn a year off his entry-level contract. That means it's likely the 19-year-old stays with the Blues all season, but he can still be sent back to the OHL at any point. He's averaging just 9:25 per game, but work on the power play will give him more opportunities and be another test of his potential. With four assists in nine games, he could be a value play in daily formats.

Thomas dished out an assist and recorded a plus-1 rating in Tuesday's 4-1 win over the Hurricanes.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas showed his acute hockey sense by dishing the puck through traffic to David Perron, who found Robby Fabbri for the team's second goal. The 19-year-old will finish his nine-game NHL tryout with four assists in nine games while averaging 9:25 per contest. His game only got better through the stint, so it's highly unlikely the team sends him back to Canadian junior.

Thomas can play one more game before a year of his entry-level contract is expended, Tom Timmermann of The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas is allowed to play nine NHL games before the Blues make a decision on whether he stays with the big club or heads back to the OHL. The 19-year-old has three assists in eight games, but two of those were timely as they both came in his seventh NHL contest. If coach Mike Yeo wants to see Thomas' ceiling, he needs work in the top six. Thomas was given time on the second line in practice ahead of Tuesday's game versus the Hurricanes, but it's unclear if he'll remain there at game time.

Thomas has three games left before a year of his entry-level contract kicks in.

EDGE Analysis

This essentially means that Thomas has three games to prove he belongs with the Blues, or else they'll send him back to the Hamilton Bulldogs of the OHL since he's too young to play in the AHL. The 19-year-old racked up 24 goals and 75 points in 49 regular-season games and 32 points in 21 postseason games in Canadian Juniors last year, so the Blues figure he has little to gain from heading back down. With the Blues, the 2017 first-round pick has been stuck on the fourth line averaging 9:01 with one assist through six games. The Blues have made Thomas a healthy scratch four times to buy more time with the decision, and that can be expected again especially if Robby Fabbri (groin) comes back soon.

Thomas will play Saturday versus the Blackhawks, Jim Thomas of The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas last played Oct. 14 so if nothing else, the 19-year-old forward should bring fresh legs to St. Louis' lineup. With only two wins on the season, the Blues are running out of ideas. Thomas isn't likely to change their fortunes and also isn't worth considering in any fantasy format.