THE CONTRACT trigger that would have handed Dale Thomas an automatic extension for next year if he played a certain number of games has been removed.

Thomas, who turns 30 in June, is in the final season of a four-year deal.

Carlton said in a statement that Thomas had asked to remove the games trigger clause that would have automatically earned him another season at the Blues.

"Acknowledging that we as a club do not publicly comment on the nature of player contracts, Dale has selflessly put the club first in this situation," Carlton list manager Stephen Silvagni said on the club's website.

"Pleasingly for Dale, he will now be able to go out and play football without the constant, external commentary around the nature of his contract."

Thomas returned to the senior side for the 23-point win against Collinwood last Saturday at the MCG and picked up 20 disposals and nine marks, following a week in the VFL.

A premiership player at the Magpies, Thomas has lined up in five senior games this year to take his career tally to 205.

He crossed to the Blues at the end of 2013 as a restricted free agent to join his former coach Mick Malthouse.