The St. Louis Blues are going to be leading their next era of hockey with youth. Robert Thomas, who is the only member outside of their core group over the age of 25, was just named the 25th captain in franchise history at 27 years old.
With that said, a number of younger players are going to be entering roles where the expectation is high. That could lead to some sink-or-swim moments, and a revolving door with Springfield, the American Hockey League affiliate, is possible.
Justin Carbonneau, the first-round selection of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, will be a big storyline in a few weeks at training camp and during the preseason session. He could be one of the very few prospects that gets a legitimate shot at cracking the opening night roster, but it is unlikely.
That should not deter Blues fans, as this kid is going to make his NHL debut before Christmas. Let’s talk about why.
Is it possible?
Carbonneau is leaving the QMJHL level and entering the AHL this upcoming season, should he fall short of the Blues opening night roster. With that said, he will be a hot watch in Springfield.
He got to wear the Thunderbirds uniform last season after a 51-goal campaign with Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, and it was in a crunch-time setting. He played three games in the playoffs, with no points to his credit.
A few months in Springfield and at the AHL level is the best-case scenario for him, as it establishes a new sense of pace and speed for his game. He lit up the junior hockey world, but Carbonneau has to leave that behind now for pro hockey’s best competition.
The possibility of Carbonneau being a Blue at some point in 2026-27 is a near-guarentee.
Importance of December
December is going to be a make-or-break month for the Blues. They have a pretty hefty schedule, but it is as winnable a month as it could establish a serious confidence boost for the rest of the way. Usually in a hockey season, Christmas is a time when players get that much-needed break to be with family, but also a breather from the very fast schedule of games to follow.
If the Blues have a bad December, or if the injuries start to rack up, Carbonneau could be getting an early Christmas present. But that's not all, as his arrival can be a nice Christmas present for Blues fans as well.
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