You're damn right about this only being possible in a dream, no way the Flames would ever do that

Nor would the Blues.

I'm just curious. Do people believe that Robert Thomas is a superstar in the making? I'll admit that he is an excellent stick handler, but unless something changes with his game, he looks to be a 10-15 goal, 30 assist player, which is good but not great. He averages just over 1 shot a game and 1 hit ever 5 games.

I'm just trying to figure out what I'm missing here.

If for some ungodly reason the Flames offer that, I’d take it and run

It's not just about if it makes them better right now. And Lindholm would never be in the talks, because he's not needed. And the Blues aren;t dealing Thomas to get Matty.

Yes, all sorts of people see Thomas as a first line talent, and not just in St. Louis. He's also seen by some as future captain material. He's won championships with every team he's played for. He competes hard, can skate teams in circles and passes like a demon. Thomas has 10 goals and 32 assists in only 66 games as a 20-year-old, so I'm not sure why you think that's his ceiling. I wouldn't judge him much on last season, which kept being interrupted by minor injuries.