Justin Carbonneau's Path to St. Louis Runs Through Springfield First
The Blues' 2025 first rounder is expected to open the year with the Thunderbirds, and one Blues outlet is betting he does not stay there long.
Justin Carbonneau is heading to the AHL to start the 2026-27 season, and at least one corner of Blues media thinks that stop will be brief. Bleedin' Blue argues the 19 year old winger will force his way onto St. Louis's NHL roster before Christmas once he gets regular reps with the Springfield Thunderbirds.
Carbonneau was St. Louis's first round pick, 19th overall, in the 2025 NHL Draft. He just finished a dominant final QMJHL season with the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, putting up 51 goals, tied for the most in the QMJHL this past season.
He already has a taste of pro hockey. After his junior season ended last spring, Carbonneau joined Springfield for the Calder Cup Playoffs and skated in three games, though he did not record a point.
The expectation is that Carbonneau will open camp fighting for a roster spot but ultimately start the year in Springfield, given how deep St. Louis has become up front. The thinking is that a full AHL season, rather than three emergency playoff games, will let him adjust to the pace and physicality of pro hockey before any call up.
The timing lines up with a bigger shift in St. Louis. The Blues named Robert Thomas their 25th captain in franchise history this week, with Colton Parayko, Philip Broberg, Jake Neighbours and Dylan Holloway serving as assistant captains for 2026-27. Carbonneau's development in Springfield will be one of the storylines to watch as that new group takes shape at the NHL level.
