ST. LOUIS—After the St. Louis Blues spent the 19th pick in the 2025 National Hockey League draft on Justin Carbonneau, the young forward inked his first NHL contract this week.
Carbonneau, 18, signed a three-year entry-level contract. Per the collective bargaining agreement, the maximum potential value for a NHL entry-level contract is $975,000 per season but a player may earn more money through endorsements or bonuses. By doing so, he forgoes the opportunity to play in the NCAA because NCAA eligibility hinges on if a player is signed to a professional contract.
The Blues could opt to send him to the junior league but they can choose to play Carbonneau for several games before making that decision. Though signed, Carbonneau is not a lock to play in the Blues season opener on October 9.
When Spectrum News met Carbonneau in June, the Quebec native spoke about trusting his coaches, being confident in himself and the overall excitement of being a Blues player.
Carbonneau comes to the Blues after three seasons playing for the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). In his final season with the Armada, Carbonneau garnered First All-Start Team recognition as he accounted for 89 points and 46 goals in 62 regular season games, which ranked second in the QMJHL. During his three seasons, he amassed 168 points through 82 goals and 86 assists.
On the same day, Blues 2023 seventh round pick, Nikita Susuev, signed an entry level contract.