Blues' Thomas returning early from broken ankle vs. Wild

St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas is set to return to the lineup Tuesday against the Minnesota Wild, the team announced.

Thomas missed the last four weeks with a broken ankle. However, he was initially expected to be sidelined for at least six weeks with the ailment, which he suffered after blocking a shot against the Winnipeg Jets on Oct. 22.

"It's frustrating being out, but I invested a lot in myself, and I'm pretty happy with the result and getting back so soon," Thomas said, according to The Athletic's Jeremy Rutherford. "I'm excited to be back in the lineup and looking forward to getting in the trenches with the guys."

Thomas began skating again last week and accompanied the Blues on their latest three-game road trip, though he didn't play.

St. Louis went 4-7-1 in his absence, slipping to sixth place in the Central Division.

Here's how the Blues lined up at Tuesday's morning skate:

Thomas collected one goal and six points in seven games before being sidelined. He led the Blues with 60 assists and 86 points while skating in all 82 contests last season.

The 25-year-old is currently playing out the second season of an eight-year extension and carries an $8.125-million cap hit, tied with Jordan Kyrou for the highest on the team.

St. Louis selected Thomas with the 20th overall pick at the 2017 NHL Draft. He's amassed 87 goals and 321 points in 403 career outings.