Following last night's 4-2 loss to Chicago, St. Louis Blues prospect Justin Carbonneau started saying his goodbyes and see you laters to his fellow teammates. As reported by Lou Korac of The Hockey News, the 22-year-old standout from training camp and preseason will be heading back to the QMJHL.
There is a significant chance that when he comes back to the Blues, whenever that might be, he will be bringing something new with him.
Let's talk about it.
Using his newfound experience
After around two weeks with the NHL club that drafted him in the first round of this past season's draft, Carbonneau soaked up as much information as he could about the highest level in hockey. He learned from the captain, Brayden Schenn, who played in the same group as the player he models his game around, Jordan Kyrou. So, it is safe to say he used this experience to his advantage.
Then, in three preseason games against a mix of NHLers, players on the verge of the NHL and AHL, and fellow prospects, Carbonneau shined brightly. He was quick, powerful, and ultimately fluid in each appearance he had.
When the QMJHL season begins, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada will be getting back a player who is very different from the one they had last season.
Award Sweep?
In the Canadian Hockey League, also known as the Juniors, there are three separate leagues. The Western Hockey League, the Ontario Hockey League, and the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League. Each has its own version of Most Valuable Player, and then each of those winners is put against each other for the CHL's MVP, the David Branch Player of the Year award.
The QMJHL's Most Valuable Player trophy is called the Michel Brière Memorial Trophy. After a successful training camp and preseason tenure, Carbonneau should be a front-runner for the award, and it shouldn't stop there.
When Carbonneau returns to the Blues, he should be bringing back every possible award that he can possibly obtain. He will be flying around his fellow Junior-level opponents after already becoming acclimated to the NHL pace.