Can Justin Carbonneau Make His Mark on the St. Louis Blues Roster in 2026-27?

Justin Carbonneau is ready to make waves as he eyes a spot on the St. Louis Blues roster for the 2026-27 season. The 19-year-old forward, selected 19th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, is acutely aware of the competition he faces within a crowded forward group. However, Carbonneau is undeterred, believing that he has what it takes to crash the NHL party and make his mark.

“My mindset is I want to play in the NHL next year. It doesn’t mean I’m going to play, but it’s a mindset of everything I want to do in training camp is to play,” Carbonneau shared during a recent development camp. His determination is palpable as he emphasizes that every workout and practice is geared toward one goal: to earn a spot with the Blues. “At the end, it’s not my decision, but I’m going to do everything I can to force their hands.”

Despite the likelihood that he will begin the season with the Springfield Thunderbirds in the American Hockey League, Carbonneau’s ambitious mindset aligns perfectly with what the Blues hope to see from their top draft picks. After a successful stint with the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, where he pursued a championship, Carbonneau is eager to elevate his game.

Last season, Carbonneau showcased his scoring prowess with 80 points, including 51 goals, and a plus-31 rating. He also contributed 20 points in the postseason before joining the Thunderbirds for three playoff games. Reflecting on the season, he acknowledged, “From a personal point, yes, but in the end for me, it was not the year I expected because I did not win. I think it’s all about that, whether I score 100 goals, but we lose in the semifinals. It’s not what I want.” His focus remains on learning and improving, even amidst disappointment.

Carbonneau’s brief experience in Springfield offered valuable lessons. “I think every detail matters. There’s not a lot of mistakes there. It plays fast, it plays hard,” he noted. This insight reinforces his commitment to developing a 200-foot game, a quality that is crucial for success at the professional level. “Sometimes I felt that I wasn’t playing the 200-foot game. This year I played the right way and I learned to play a 200-feet game and I got rewarded.”

With competition intensifying for roster spots, including 13 forwards already under contract, Carbonneau understands the challenges ahead. Players like Jimmy Snuggerud and Dalibor Dvorsky are also vying for entry-level deals, while restricted free agent Connor McMichael is set to sign with the Blues soon. Additionally, Oskar Sundqvist’s recent one-year contract adds further complexity to the mix.

As he prepares for the upcoming season, Carbonneau reflects on the growth he has experienced since being drafted. “When you get drafted, you know you’re a good player, but once you meet the development staff, management, and you practice and play with the players around you at camp, you see how much better you can get,” he explained. His summer training plans include refining his skills and enhancing his physicality, as he aims to return to top form.

“Every summer, I get to the summer and there’s always different things I want to work on. It’s all little details that can make me better,” Carbonneau said, demonstrating his commitment to continuous improvement. With a clear focus on his goals and a robust training plan in place, Carbonneau is poised to make a strong impression as he strives for a spot on the Blues roster.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.