The Blues haven’t exactly started the season on a high note. Goals are hard to come by, defensive mistakes are piling up, and the playoff push feels shaky. But if you take a step back, there’s a lot to be excited about below the NHL level. The Blues’ prospects are absolutely lighting it up across the AHL, junior leagues, and even in Europe. These are the players who could turn things around — and they’re doing it in style. 

Justin Carbonneau (QMJHL)

Justin Carbonneau, 18, the Blues’ first-round pick, 19th overall in 2025, is dominating the QMJHL with 15 goals and 19 points in 12 games. He combines size, strength, and a quick, accurate release to create scoring chances in traffic, making him difficult to defend. Beyond his scoring touch, Carbonneau reads the ice well, protects the puck in tight areas, and has a natural ability to find open teammates. Though he remains in junior hockey this season, his dominance suggests he could step into the NHL and immediately provide offensive depth.

Matvei Korotky (KHL)

Korotky, 19, a seventh-round pick in 2024, is standing out in Russia’s KHL, a professional league that challenges even veteran players. He has nine goals and six assists in 20 games, showcasing a rare combination of speed, puck control, and hockey sense. Korotky can protect the puck under pressure, make smart plays in tight spaces, and contribute defensively when needed. Watching him navigate the pace and physicality of the KHL at such a young age gives a glimpse of a forward who could adapt quickly to the NHL and become a reliable two-way scorer.

Adam Jiricek (OHL)

Jiricek, 18, selected 16th overall in 2024, has four goals and six assists in 11 OHL games, but his impact goes beyond points. He’s composed under pressure, uses his reach and skating to break up plays and moves the puck efficiently out of the defensive zone. Jiricek can make smart, quick decisions in all three zones, which is exactly what the Blues need given their defensive struggles. Projected as a top reliable defenseman, he has the tools to stabilize the back end while also generating offense and keeping plays moving.

Love Harenstam (Sweden)

Harenstam, 19, drafted in 2025, has been impressive in Sweden’s Allsvenskan with a .927 save percentage, allowing just 17 goals in 10 games. Calm and composed in net, he reads the play effectively, tracks pucks well, and controls rebounds. With St. Louis’ goaltending being inconsistent this season, Harenstam represents a potential answer in net. If he continues to develop at this pace, he could compete for a backup role or even challenge for a starting position in the coming years.

Theo Lindstein (AHL)

Nineteen-year-old Lindstein, drafted 29th overall in 2023, is standing out in the AHL with one goal and two assists in seven games. His skating is smooth and controlled, and he reads the play well, breaking up passes and moving the puck efficiently. In a season where the Blues’ defense has struggled with coverage and transitions, Lindstein’s calmness under pressure and ability to make quick, accurate decisions could make him a top-four defenseman capable of contributing both defensively and offensively once he reaches the NHL.

Dalibor Dvorsky (NHL/AHL)

Dalibor Dvorsky, 19, the 10th overall pick in 2023, made his NHL season debut this year after being called up from Springfield. While he didn’t record points, he displayed excellent positioning, hustle, and adaptability to the NHL pace. In the AHL, he has three goals and two assists in six games, demonstrating advanced vision, playmaking, and puck protection. Dvorsky projects as a middle-six center who could contribute in multiple situations, including the power play, as his development continues.

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