The St. Louis Blues may have gotten off to a sluggish start to their meaningless preseason games, but there is much more to unravel from it. They looked good, sharp even, in many facets of the game.
These prospects mixed with NHLers are fighting hard in the early going of the 2025-26 season, and things are seemingly still going according to plan. Through six periods, overtime and a shootout, there are three players that have really stood out so far.
Let's highlight them here.
Jordan Binnington
This was a given, but a welcome sign for the 2025-26 season. Goaltender Jordan Binnington was stellar in his 40 minutes of action in the opening preseason game. It is unclear how many more games we will see him in, with four more to go. The Blues have been blessed with solid goaltending so far. Let's hope it continues.
Colten Ellis
Another standout from the preseason thus far has been goaltender Colten Ellis. Currently ranked as the third-string goaltender behind Binnington and Joel Hofer, Ellis has shown some solid stuff in his sole outing. He held the Blues in contention for the victory of the first preseason game against Dallas, forcing overtime and then slamming the door with a shorthanded moment before losing in the shootout.
Ellis will likely have a long-road ahead of him before he is at the NHL level, with Hofer having a solid performance himself. But, knock on wood if there are any injuries, Ellis could make an impact this upcoming season.
Justin Carbonneau
The Blues have run into a little bit of a problem with Justin Carbonneau. They have to give him back to the QMJHL.
This kid has been electric so far, and the future if so bright for him. Carbonneau has been steady and consistent with the puck, creating offense at will. The growing theme with most of the prospects this preseason is that they are a bit timid with the puck. Carbonneau is the absolute opposite. He has a goal and an assist thus far in two games, and if he keeps this up, he is going to go back to Juniors as a superstar.