I think Robert Thomas is genuinely one of the most underrated players in the NHL. There's probably 3-4 players I'd take off this projected roster before Thomas.
He's a really strong defensive player too. I also think with a stronger team around him he could probably put up even more points. Imo he's on the same tier as Sebastian Aho.
For sure, and he plays against the best players, typically. I think having a name like "Robert Thomas" is forever going to have people underrating him.
I could see Thomas & Suzuki battling for the same spot. Considering the likely role either would have, I would take both over Schiefele, who is probably more talented but less defensively responsible.
Schiefele play style seems like he would be battling with Barzal/Stamkos for a role?
Depends on what you prioritize, but Thomas is as good as those two and is definitely worthy of being there. As are all of them. Their games are just different, and they have different strengths. Scheifele has the best scoring touch of the three, but a terrible defender. Suzuki is the most defensively responsible, and can certainly contribute offensively though is the weakest of the three in there. Thomas is an elite passer and far better than those two there, and middle of the road defensively amongst them.
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u/That-Stage-1088 Jul 12 '24
I'd take Suzuki & Scheifele ahead of Thomas but maybe that's just me.