Carbonneau took a massive step from 2023-24 to 2024-25 to cement himself as a first-round talent. He is one of the most skilled forwards in this class and showcased that in the 46-goal, 89-point campaign for Blainville-Boisbriand in the QMJHL. He plays with a lot of pace and the skill to back up his intensity. His hands are crafty, and he combines excellent vision with being a dangerous scoring threat with the puck on his stick. Defenders cannot consistently predict Carbonneau’s next move. He also plays an underrated physical game. He is not afraid of body contact and, while not necessarily a bruiser, he will retrieve and protect pucks at any cost. Carbonneau signed his three-year entry-level contract on September 10, 2025 and should slot nicely into the Blues’ forward prospect pool and be a real difference maker.

Selected at nineteenth overall, Justin Carbonneau is now a member of the St Louis Blues.

Early this draft season, Carbonneau was typically slotted in the early teens, but has stagnated a bit as of late. The 6-1 winger from the QMJHL has some electrifying moments 1-on-1, revealing a high offensive ceiling. He drives play in transition with great underlying metrics and has emerged as one of his league’s most lethal shooters and prolific goal scorers. Carbonneau is gritty and determined to make an impact on both ends of the ice. However, his hockey IQ and top end speed have raised concerns for his floor. At the NHL level, he projects as a middle 6 scoring winger.

Final Rankings – Justin Carbonneau was one of the more exciting players to watch, combining some of the best hands in the draft with goal scoring and physicality. He has a great frame and had the ability to take over games this year. Carbonneau will need maturation in his approach, find a role, and playing more completely.