In a recent development that runs counter to a burgeoning trend in North American hockey, St. Louis Blues first-round draft pick Justin Carbonneau has made a definitive choice regarding his immediate future should he not crack the NHL roster: he will return to the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).
Selected 19th overall in the most recent NHL Entry Draft, Carbonneau was faced with a pivotal decision common to many top Canadian Hockey League (CHL) prospects drafted by NHL clubs: return to major junior or pursue the collegiate route in the United States via the NCAA.
The allure of NCAA hockey has grown significantly, particularly since a rule change in November 2024 by U.S. college sports governing bodies granted eligibility to players who previously played in the CHL under certain conditions. This adjustment has paved the way for a noticeable migration, with over 150 CHL players from the past season reportedly committing to NCAA programs for the upcoming year, though many are players who had aged out of junior eligibility.
For Carbonneau, the decision came down to two compelling options: continue his development within the structured, demanding environment of the QMJHL with the Armada, or join Boston College, a perennial powerhouse in NCAA Division I hockey, offering a different developmental path often highlighted by playing against older competition and balancing academics with the sport.
As Carbonneau himself noted shortly after the draft, “Boston College is a great option for me to develop with older guys, or in Blainville. Two good options,” indicating a thoughtful consideration of both avenues in consultation with the St. Louis Blues organization. His impressive performance last season, finishing second in QMJHL scoring with a potent 46 goals and 43 assists for 89 points in 62 games, certainly underscored the value of his continued presence in the league.
Carbonneau`s choice to potentially return to the Armada stands out against the backdrop of recent high-profile departures from the CHL to the NCAA, perhaps most notably the anticipated move of top prospect Gavin McKenna to Penn State. While the NCAA is gaining traction as a viable path, Carbonneau`s decision represents a significant affirmation of the major junior system by a player highly valued by an NHL franchise. It`s a small victory, perhaps, for the CHL leagues working to retain their top-tier talent in the face of increased NCAA competition.
The spotlight now remains on other drafted CHL stars who have yet to publicly commit one way or the other, including the top two picks, Matthew Schaefer and Michael Misa, among others. Their decisions, much like Carbonneau`s, will continue to shape the landscape of North American hockey development. It`s important to remember that signing an entry-level contract with an NHL team renders a player ineligible for NCAA competition, adding another layer of complexity to these critical career junctures.
Ultimately, Carbonneau is charting his path with his sights set firmly on the NHL, using the chosen development route as a stepping stone. His commitment to the Armada, should he not make the Blues roster, provides stability for the junior club and reinforces the QMJHL as a credible, high-level environment for elite prospects aiming for the pinnacle of professional hockey.
Tristan Blackwood