Justin Carbonneau is off and running for Canada at the 2025 World Junior Summer Showcase.
The No. 19 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft by the St. Louis Blues had a game-tying assist for Canada-White in their 4-3 shootout win against Canada-Red in an intra-squad matchup at the University of Minnesota's Ridder Arena on Tuesday.
Carbonneau, a forward, assisted on Cayden Lindstrom's power-play goal, the first of two goals by the Columbus Blue Jackets 2024 first-round pick, with 6:18 remaining in the third period to cut Canada-Red's lead to 3-2. It came off a Carbonneau shot from the high slot and rebound put back:
Carbonneau also had a shootout attempt saved on Canada-White's third attempt.
Carbonneau skated on Canada-White's top line with projected 2026 first overall pick Gavin McKenna of Penn State and Michael Misa, the second overall pick in 2025 by the San Jose Sharks:
Carbonneau and Canada will face off against Finland on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. (CT), then take on Sweden on Friday at 1 p.m. before concluding tourney play Saturday against USA (4:30 p.m.).
Also in the showcase is Love Harenstam, who was the backup for Sweden in a 4-3 loss against USA on Monday. The goalie was selected by the Blues in the sixth round of the 2025 draft.
Carbonneau recently made his decision to remain eligible for junior hockey and return to Blainville-Boisbriand Armada and will come to Blues main camp in September and could give himself an opportunity to make the big club as an 18-year-old.
And it leaves the question of whether Carbonneau will be good enough to crack the opening night roster and at least get a nine-game trial before the Blues make a decision, or does he need to go to juniors and continue his growth and development? Vote above and/or comment below.