There are a lot of high hopes for the newest member of the St. Louis Blues. Justin Carbonneau, who was selected with the 19th overall selection of the 2025 NHL draft, has a high ceiling and a higher expectation surrounding him before he goes back to the QMJHL.
But, with his eyes set on making a larger-than-life impact at Training Camp, could he sneak his way onto the roster at some point next season? Can he pull a Jimmy Snuggerud, and following an unfortunate injury, play the final two weeks of the regular season and maybe get some reps in the playoffs?
A lot of if's, but it is backed up with evidence
There are a lot of things that have to come into play for Carbonneau to make his NHL debut with the Blues next season. Injuries have to happen before he signs his entry-level contract and gets a release from his QMJHL squad, the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada. It is a lot of red tape between here and seeing the explosive right winger make his start in the 'Lou.
But if all of those things were to happen, there is a strong chance that he will get a call. This kid has a tenacity to him, a dawg in him, as you could say, under the age of 25. Carbonneau has a football player's mentality in a hockey player, which fits this bruising organization to a tee. If the opportunity arises, he would nail it on his first time in the show.
At this point in time, getting reps in with the AHL club, Springfield, might do him some good. But if he is already saying that he wants a go at the big boys, General Manager Doug Armstrong better tell him to let it rip.
Just like Snuggerud?
Snuggerud made an everlasting impact in his first few games that set him up for a playoff series against the Presidents' Trophy winner. Now, he is projected to be a part of the top line in 2025-26, and will be a great rival against Jordan Kyrou and the arrival of Carbonneau for the right winger spot.
Of course, depending on the constant circulation of Kyrou trade news, Carbonneau might have an easier path to being a top-six forward. But, if he were to transition his game to the left side, that could be a dynamic line of Carbonneau/Thomas/Snuggerud in the future.