After the St. Louis Blues used their first-round selection of the 2025 NHL Draft on another high-caliber winger, there now might be a log-jam at that position. In turn, when that prospect makes his jump to the NHL, the Blues may have to part ways with a fan favorite to make room.
Justin Carbonneau was selected with the 19th overall pick, and his pending ascendance to the NHL is still a few years away. As he chose to go back to QMJHL, and not go to the NCAA level, he is going to be a wrecking ball when he officially comes to the Blues organization.
Which current winger is on the hotseat, and what can the Blues do when the times comes?
Pavel Buchnevich's days are numbered
When looking at the wingers on this Blues team, they are pretty set at the moment. Pavel Buchnevich might be the odd man out when the time comes for Carbonneau to make his debut.
Jimmy Snuggerud has impressed enough to get first-line minutes on the right side of Buchnevich. Plus, Dylan Holloway plays on the left side of the second line, and the expectation is for him to continue his hot start last season in 2025-26. Let us also not forget about Jordan Kyrou, and the situation that he may or may not be this upcoming season, with the potential of waiving his No-Trade Clause.
In a perfect world, the Blues would insert Carbonneau into the LW2 slot, moving Holloway up to the first line with Robert Thomas and Snuggerud. Despite being primarily a right-winger, Carbonneau has expressed his interest in playing either side, or maybe even some reps at center. This would also keep a deadly 1-2 punch on the second line with Carbonneau and Kyrou, who would obliterate the competition with their wicked shots.
Buchnevich has a No-Trade Clause attached to his contract extension, set to kick in with the start of the 2025-26 season. Moving him is going to be a hard thing to do, both physically and emotionally. When the time comes, it may be an easier decision to make, but that won't be for a few years at least.