Son of former NHLer Steve Thomas, Christian Thomas split the 2015-16 season between the Canadiens and Coyotes’ organizations. He had two assists in six NHL games and 10 goals, 11 assists (21 points) in 34 AHL games with St. John’s and Springfield (AHL). Expect him to start this year with Hershey.
With Alex Semin being moved to IR, the Canadiens have recalled Thomas for the first time this season. Thomas has 14 points (7G / 7A) in 18 AHL games this season. Thomas has one goal in 21 career NHL games.
Thomas averaged 11:07 TOI but failed to record a point and was a minus-2 in three games during his recall. The Habs are done until after the All Star break, so Thomas could be recalled if Parenteau is not ready to go.
Thomas, 22, has nine goals and five assists (14 points) in 29 games with Hamilton this season. He has no points in three career NHL games. He skated on the Habs’ fourth line with Manny Malhotra and Michael Bournival.
Thomas averaged 7:11 TOI and was a minus-1 with one shot in two games with the Habs. With Montreal trading away a defenseman for a forward (Dale Weise) today, Thomas' services were no longer required.
Thomas' father, former NHL player Steve Thomas, is the player development coordinator for the Lightning, so it will be an interesting afternoon for Thomas who has collected five goals and nine assists (14 points) in 23 games in the AHL this season.
Thomas is in his first season with the Habs organization after coming over from the Rangers. He has 14 points (5G / 9A) in 23 games with Hamilton this season.
Thomas played 12:46 in his only game on Saturday but has been sent down today.
It likely means that not only is Arron Asham, along with Rick Nash not ready to return to the Rangers’ lineup, but coach John Tortorella does not fancy the idea of playing converted defenseman Stu Bickel up front for a second straight game.
