Training camp is usually where teenagers get a taste of NHL speed, learn from veterans and then head back to juniors with a checklist for the year ahead. Evidently, Justin Carbonneau didn’t get that memo.
At just 18 years old, the St. Louis Blues’ 2025 first-round pick has emerged as one of the most talked-about players in training camp, looking less like a wide-eyed prospect and more like someone determined to claim an NHL roster spot on opening night.
Carbonneau has impressed coaches with his maturity, poise under pressure, and NHL-caliber skating, routinely keeping up with – and in some cases, outpacing – established veterans. His playmaking ability has also translated against tougher competition, showing vision and confidence that belie his age.
Carbonneau's ability to carry the puck through the neutral zone and set up scoring chances has been one of the Blues’ biggest preseason storylines. Unlike some younger prospects who need time in juniors or the AHL to develop strength, Carbonneau has already shown he can handle board battles and isn’t intimidated by physical play.
The Blues are in a transitional phase: they want to stay competitive but also need to infuse youth into their lineup. If Carbonneau can hold his own, the team may prefer giving him NHL minutes rather than sending him back to Blainville-Boisbriand for another season of junior hockey.
Carbonneau's blend of polish, energy and readiness to adapt makes his case to crack the Blues' Opening Night roster a legitimate one, even on a team that isn’t rushing its prospects.
Justin Carbonneau was our first-round pick for a reason. #stlblues pic.twitter.com/zMX2VzqUle
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) September 21, 2025
Justin Carbonneau making legitimate case for NHL roster spot at Blues training camp
The Blues’ roster situation only strengthens Carbonneau’s case. With a few forward spots unsettled and the organization looking to inject youth into its lineup, the door is open for him to potentially force his way onto the roster. His defensive awareness and compete level could make him a fit for a bottom-six role right away, with the potential to climb higher as his game matures.
St. Louis also has the flexibility to use the NHL’s nine-game trial period, allowing Carbonneau to start the season in the NHL without burning a year of his entry-level contract. That option, combined with his standout performance, makes it increasingly difficult for the Blues to send him back to juniors without a serious look.
For now, Carbonneau is doing exactly what prospects dream of doing in September – making a decision that once felt far-fetched suddenly feel very real.