The St. Louis Blues made a significant addition to their prospect pool by selecting forward Justin Carbonneau with the 19th overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft at The Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The announcement, made by St. Louis native and comedian Nikki Glaser during the Blues Season Ticket Holder Summer Social at Enterprise Center, marked a pivotal moment for the franchise as they look to build around a dynamic young core.
A Proven Goal Scorer from the QMJHL
Justin Carbonneau, an 18-year-old winger from Levis, Quebec, brings an electrifying offensive presence to the Blues’ prospect pipeline. Playing for the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), Carbonneau led his team with an impressive 89 points, including 46 goals and 43 assists, in 62 regular-season games during the 2024-25 season. His goal-scoring prowess placed him second in the QMJHL in both goals and points, earning him league first-team all-star honors.
Carbonneau’s ability to find the back of the net is complemented by his playmaking skills and physical style. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 191 pounds, he combines pro-ready size with speed and skillful puck-handling. As noted by The Athletic’s Corey Pronman, Carbonneau is “a very strong skater and puck-handler who can beat defenders one-on-one at full flight,” making his game highly translatable to the NHL. His performance at the CHL USA Prospects Challenge in November 2024, where he registered two points in two games, further showcased his ability to shine against top competition.
Why Carbonneau Fits the Blues’ Vision
The Blues, under the leadership of General Manager Doug Armstrong, have prioritized adding offensive firepower to complement their young core, including prospects like Jimmy Snuggerud and Dalibor Dvorsky. Armstrong emphasized Carbonneau’s goal-scoring ability, stating, “In a league that is going towards goal scoring, he brings us another element.” This selection aligns with the Blues’ strategy to build a roster capable of competing in a fast-evolving NHL that values speed, skill, and physicality.
Carbonneau’s style as a power forward draws comparisons to players like Brock Boeser and former Blues pick David Perron. His ability to win puck battles, drive to the net, and create scoring opportunities makes him a potential top-six winger in the NHL. While he needs to refine his shot selection and skating to fully adapt to the professional level, his raw talent and work ethic suggest a bright future.
What’s Next for Carbonneau?
Carbonneau faces a decision about his next step in development. He has the option to join Boston College for NCAA hockey, where he could hone his skills alongside older players, or return to the Armada in the QMJHL for another season. “Boston College is a great option for me to develop with older guys, or in Blainville. Two good options, but some talks that I’m going to do with St. Louis and decide in the next few days,” Carbonneau said after the draft. This flexibility allows the Blues to tailor his development path to maximize his potential.
Given his age and physical maturity, projections suggest Carbonneau could see NHL action as early as the 2027-28 season, potentially following a trajectory similar to other Blues prospects. His AHL eligibility in 2026-27 provides an additional avenue for professional development, giving the Blues a clear timeline to integrate him into their lineup.
A New Chapter for the Blues
The selection of Carbonneau marks the final first-round pick of Doug Armstrong’s tenure as Blues GM, as he transitions to president of hockey operations in 2026, with Alexander Steen taking over GM duties. The pick reflects Armstrong’s commitment to leaving the Blues with a strong foundation for future success. Fans are already buzzing about Carbonneau’s potential to become a fan favorite, with his flashy offensive play and relentless drive to the net.
As the Blues continue their quest for another Stanley Cup, Carbonneau represents a key piece of the puzzle. His combination of skill, physicality, and goal-scoring instinct makes him a prospect to watch in the coming years. For now, St. Louis fans can celebrate the arrival of a talented young forward who embodies the grit and flair that define Blues hockey.
