For Justin Carbonneau Confidence Is Just ‘Part Of Who He Is’

[TBone]

For Blues’ 2025 draft pick Justin Carbonneau, confidence is just ‘part of who he is’

By Jeremy Rutherford
July 22, 2025

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Carbonneau began working with former NHL defenseman Yannick Tremblay, a sixth-round pick of the Maple Leafs who played nearly 400 games with Toronto, Atlanta Thrashers and Vancouver Canucks.

Tremblay already liked Carbonneau’s approach to the game.

“The bigger the challenge, the more Justin’s willing to try things and try to make it work,” Tremblay says. “I said this to one of the scouts, he’s always looking actively at doing whatever needs to be done. He says, ‘If this needs to be done, I’ll go and do it.'”

So the two honed in on Carbonneau’s details — learning how to get off a good shot when the puck may not be in the right spot, or finding ways as a power skater to have quicker bursts of speed in small areas.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/649320 ... arbonneau/

[seattleblue]

“I said this to one of the scouts, he’s always looking actively at doing whatever needs to be done. He says, ‘If this needs to be done, I’ll go and do it.'”

Anyone whose ultracompetitiveness manifests in this way understands a fellow traveler. I understand Justin Carbonneau and I completely trust what he's trying to do: the team whose jersey he has, he is going to make them win.

[Younghopp1991]

“I said this to one of the scouts, he’s always looking actively at doing whatever needs to be done. He says, ‘If this needs to be done, I’ll go and do it.'”

Anyone whose ultracompetitiveness manifests in this way understands a fellow traveler. I understand Justin Carbonneau and I completely trust what he's trying to do: the team whose jersey he has, he is going to make them win.

No one worth a darn is never going to say “the kid works too hard for the nhl” we need as many fire guys as we can get. More of those “what’s a offseason?” Guys

[SameOldBlues]

The more I listen and read this kid talk, the more I think he could become the best of all of the Blue’s prospects when its all said and done.

[Harry S Deals]

The more I listen and read this kid talk, the more I think he could become the best of all of the Blue’s prospects when its all said and done.

I have a gut feeling that you may be right, the combination of hands, shot, speed and attitude. Maybe an upgrade version of Neighbours or a Shanny lite? Idk but i like the kid so far cant wait till camp

[callitwhatyouwant]

This kid is going to sell lots of jerseys. The right kind of prospect to move that merch for the kids.

[TBone]

The more I listen and read this kid talk, the more I think he could become the best of all of the Blue’s prospects when its all said and done.

Agreed. Of all these mid to late 1st round gems they've been picking he could be mega power forward you pray for.

[brianstlou2]

“I said this to one of the scouts, he’s always looking actively at doing whatever needs to be done. He says, ‘If this needs to be done, I’ll go and do it.'”

Anyone whose ultracompetitiveness manifests in this way understands a fellow traveler. I understand Justin Carbonneau and I completely trust what he's trying to do: the team whose jersey he has, he is going to make them win.

He just has to learn how to stay within the team game to ensure there aren’t breakdowns in the system. Players who are uber talented and are A-type personality is going to display exactly the traits he’s been accused of, which si trying to do too much. Guys who’s think they can stick handle thru anyone, who can make the incredible pass at the Jr level but doesn’t fly in the NHL bc players are too smart. There’s 2 players that stick out in my mind that have been like this for the Blues… David Perron and Jordan Kyrou. Both players had unbelievable confidence that they could do things in the NHL that they could get away with in Jrs. It took several years before DP figured it out. And JK is finally starting to get it. I think he’s going to be one of those frustrating players that people either love or hate depending on what amazing or dumb move they make. Let’s hope he’s smart, has good hockey IQ and willing to listen and learn from players and Monty.

[seattleblue]

“I said this to one of the scouts, he’s always looking actively at doing whatever needs to be done. He says, ‘If this needs to be done, I’ll go and do it.'”

Anyone whose ultracompetitiveness manifests in this way understands a fellow traveler. I understand Justin Carbonneau and I completely trust what he's trying to do: the team whose jersey he has, he is going to make them win.

He just has to learn how to stay within the team game to ensure there aren’t breakdowns in the system. Players who are uber talented and are A-type personality is going to display exactly the traits he’s been accused of, which si trying to do too much. Guys who’s think they can stick handle thru anyone, who can make the incredible pass at the Jr level but doesn’t fly in the NHL bc players are too smart. There’s 2 players that stick out in my mind that have been like this for the Blues… David Perron and Jordan Kyrou. Both players had unbelievable confidence that they could do things in the NHL that they could get away with in Jrs. It took several years before DP figured it out. And JK is finally starting to get it. I think he’s going to be one of those frustrating players that people either love or hate depending on what amazing or dumb move they make. Let’s hope he’s smart, has good hockey IQ and willing to listen and learn from players and Monty.

100% agree with this comment. And those two specific players are about as polarized with me as possible. My favorite all time player throughout all the years I watched hockey, and one of my least favorite. I loved David Perron as a fellow competitive traveler. The joy moment theo talks about with "We''re going to win!" that is who David Perron is in his soul, the guy who wanted to use his talents to win and celebrate with the group. That is what I see in Carbonneau. That's why I set aside that he plays not C or RHD and coveted him.

Prior to this past year, where I acknowledge his improvement, Kyrou has been one of my least favorite players to ever play a significant role for the team. I feel NONE of this burning ultimate goal of the team desire connected to his individual desire. Kyrou has not burned with "how can I help us win?" It's a huge turnoff with him. And this year more of that came out of him, so rather than continue to see him as the player before this year I am giving him more of a chance.

I think Carbonneau ultimately is more like Perron in wanting his skill to be the difference in a win, and he will figure out how to develop skills in using his teammates more to accomplish this now that his own skill and drive got him into this prime prospect position. Going to be fun to watch!

[Old_Goat]

The more I listen and read this kid talk, the more I think he could become the best of all of the Blue’s prospects when its all said and done.

I have a gut feeling that you may be right, the combination of hands, shot, speed and attitude. Maybe an upgrade version of Neighbours or a Shanny lite? Idk but i like the kid so far cant wait till camp

We picked him at 19th, so let's give him jersey #19 to channel some Shanny! Plus "Boom-Boom" Caron wore #19 for the Braves...a true scoring power forward also from Quebec. One of my all-time favorite pro hockey players that I got to watch on a St. Louis team. Chicago was stacked with talent to block him and by the time he got his opportunity to play in the NHL for the Seals he unfortunately just quit skating for whatever reason.

[dr0zombie]

Looking forward to what Justin Carbonneau can bring to the team. The Blues could use a good power forward and it looks like a bit of luck helped the team with this one. Give this guy some mentoring time with Big Walt and he can get a masters degree in NHL power forward in short order.