CHARLESTON, S.C. — They were drafted a year apart by the Blues. They were awarded a gold medal in 2018 World Junior Championship together with Team Canada. They signed two-year contracts worth $5.6 million in 2021. Then they signed eight-year contracts worth $65 million this past summer. They’re often referred to as the “future of the team.”
The same paths lead to Jordan KyrouAnd Robert ThomasThe connection between them and their NHL stardom has been well documented. The Athletic wanted to find out how well they knew each other.
So with the Blues in Charleston for their team-bonding trip, I asked the two to meet me outside the locker room Tuesday after a practice at the North Charleston Coliseum, where I’d pepper each of them with questions about the other that a true friend would know the answers to.
Of course, Kyrou and Thomas were two of the last Blues off the ice and signed several autographs for the people in Charleston, so it didn’t leave us with a lot of time. Hockey players change their clothes very quickly so even though it was 11.35 am and the bus was leaving in 10 minutes, there was plenty of time for us to find the truth.
Each question was asked first by Kyrou, then I turned to Thomas. We had a lot of fun and some scorekeeping.
What’s his middle name?
Kyrou: This is something I feel I should know. I don’t know it.
Thomas: James.
Kyrou: Honestly, I wouldn’t have guessed that. He might’ve told me that one time.
Thomas: I don’t think I’ve ever told you.
