Robert Thomas first jumped onto my radar during the 2016 Memorial Cup with the London Knights.
As London dominated the tournament, outscoring opponents 23-7 in four games, I was focussing on watching particular players (mainly Dallas Stars defensive prospect Chris Martenet), and the then 16-year-old forward stood out.
He only had one assist in that tournament but on a loaded team, which included Mitch Marner, Thomas was still getting key defensive assignments and never looked out of position.
This year Thomas stepped into a starring role with London as a 17-year-old and was one of the most well-rounded draft eligible forwards in the OHL this season. He had 66 points in 66 regular season games and 12 points in 14 playoff games.
The 6-foot, 188-pound center could be an intriguing pick for the Dallas Stars late in the first round when they pick at No. 29 or if he was still available (albeit unlikely) in the second round at No. 39.
Thomas is a defensive-minded center that can play also play on the wing. He’s strong on face-offs, kills penalties, and is very efficient with his hard work in the defensive zone.
It’s one thing to work hard — and Thomas does — but it’s another thing to read the game and work smarter. Thomas is always in the right spot, creates turnovers by anticipating the play, and uses his stick well to break up passes and chances around the net.
Thomas also has a physical edge that comes out along the boards and he’s used that as a weapon to corral the puck in both the offensive and defensive zones.
Offensively Thomas is more of a playmaker than a goal scorer. He often does some of the dirty work to hold possession, draw defenders, and creates open space for his teammates. He has a good, but not great shot, and typically scores his goals by being in the right spot at the right time.
However, there are times that he’ll pull out a highlight reel move in a one-on-one situation.
Thomas isn’t a speedster by any means, but he’s an effective skater and has potential to become a better one. He could lengthen his stride and bit and add a bit muscle to his lower body, but that will come with time.
Overall Thomas is very good in many categories, but really only elite in one and that’s his hockey sense. That’s a tool coaches like to work with and he could be a key cog on a successful team as a two-way top-six forward that kills penalties.
Justin.schmidt24 says
Sounds like a combo of steen and shore.