Thomas aiming to turn fantasy into reality with Blues

HAZELWOOD, Mo. --Standing in the St. Louis Blues locker room, center Robert Thomas finally realized he had taken that first step toward fulfilling a dream.
Thomas, the 20th pick of the 2017 NHL Draft, couldn't help but grin at the beginning of Blues development camp, which ran from June 28-July 1.
"Obviously the first round's every child's dream," Thomas, 18, said. "It's been mine since I was a kid. It's honestly really a special feeling. I still can't really describe the feeling. It's just sort of a moment where you reflect on all the hard work you've done and how it pays off."

Thomas (6-foot, 188 pounds) had 66 points (16 goals, 50 assists) in 66 games last season with London of the Ontario Hockey League, his second in juniors. He had 12 points (three goals, nine assists) in 14 OHL playoff games.
Thomas was approached by 28 of the 31 teams at the 2017 NHL Scouting Combine in June. That's when the Aurora, Ontario, native realized his NHL dream could become a reality.
"It was a pretty hectic time," Thomas said. "Obviously I met with a lot of teams. I really enjoyed the process. It was a lot of fun. Different teams had different approaches and stuff like that. It still sort of hasn't sunk in, really. I'm still sort of living in the moment."
The Blues hope Thomas fills the bill at center.

"I think he's a competitive two-way player. He's a pass-first centerman," Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said of Thomas. "I got to see him play a couple of times live, but a lot on tape, and I really love his vision, his creativity. He's a player that makes players around him better. I think that's obviously what all wingers want. 'You get me the puck and I'll do all the scoring.' I think he's that type of player, but he's also very responsible defensively.
"He comes from an organization, the London Knights, that are known just for winning. ... There's a lot of positives there."
Thomas, who said he has always enjoyed watching Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews but has drawn comparisons to Vancouver Canucks center Bo Horvat, was pulled into the Blues-Blackhawks rivalry when his name was called by St. Louis as their pick at United Center and drew a chorus of boos.
"I really liked it, actually," Thomas said. "I thought it was awesome. It was pretty neat. I kind of knew it was coming when they were booing as I walked to the stage and got introduced. They were good after. They gave me a round of applause after, but it was a pretty fun feeling.
"Obviously the rivalry with Chicago's pretty cool."
Thomas will enter Blues training camp in September looking to leave a lasting impression.
"I'm more so excited for the opportunity," Thomas said. "I sort of get to prove myself and show everyone what I'm all about. I'm more so excited for that. You're not really too sure what the future holds, but I'm excited for the challenge."