The Blues have a chance to do something they haven't done in quite some time: promote a drafted player in just their first year in the organization. This is due to the impressive work ethic on display by new Blue Justin Carbonneau.
Can Carbonneau impress enough to make the roster? What would his promotion mean for the team? How realistic are his chances? Let's analyze the most exciting Blues prospect in Carbonneau.
Justin Carbonneau's path to the NHL
Carbonneau has stated in multiple interviews his desire to make the NHL roster in his first year within the organization. He is a skater with a lot of confidence and swagger, but the skill to back it up, too.
JC is a crafty skater on the ice, especially with the puck on his stick. He knows how to make a play and create when there isn't much available and is not afraid to take risks. This can lead to some bad turnovers, but Carbonneau has been steadily improving at limiting the damage while maximizing the upside.
Carbonneau is also a very strong skater and knows how to use his strength to his advantage. He is very effective at boxing skaters out or using the hit stick when necessary, without being too overzealous and taking a lot of penalty minutes.
This reminds me a lot of a former skilled and tough winger on the Blues, Ivan Barbashev. The Blues are always looking for players of that ilk, which makes his path to the NHL that much easier.
He would have to beat out several other depth pieces on the roster and might need some injury luck to fall his way, but with his style of play and effort level on display so far in training camp, he is doing everything right to make the team by year's end. I would be surprised but not shocked if he could do it, given just how many bodies he has to beat out, but his deployment might lead to more opportunities.
What would a promotion look like
Given his physical style of play, Carbonneau would fit right in on the 4th line immediately. This gives him the space to breathe in sheltered minutes and let his ice style shine without allowing for too much risk.
Carbo would fit right in on the 4th line as that "identity line" of physical, demanding hockey. His competitiveness and desire to make the NHL should give him the push he needs to prove he's ready, and his opportunity to play with guys like Nick Bjugstad, Alexey Toropchenko, and Nathan Walker fits right in as what Jim Montgomery and the Blues are looking for on the 4th line.
This increases his chances of actually making the roster, given that he can contribute more than what the stat sheet dictates. Carbonneau should prove to be an exciting young force on the 4th line and can fill in right away as a player looking to contribute in whatever ways he can. He is the perfect protégé for Jim Montgomery to mold into his ideal physical, blue-collar hockey player.