Justin Carbonneau: A Rising Star in Hockey
In Buffalo, New York, Justin Carbonneau has emerged as a formidable prospect for the 2025 NHL Draft, currently holding the 16th spot among North American skaters according to NHL Central Scouting. The athlete’s journey in hockey began when he attended the coaching camps of Mathieu Turcotte in Lévis, where Turcotte recognized Carbonneau’s elite skill level from an early age. Now, as a power forward standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 191 pounds, Carbonneau has developed into a player known for both his physicality and offensive prowess.
Standout Season Performance
This season has been a standout for Carbonneau, who accumulated an impressive total of 49 goals and 92 points throughout 67 games played for the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, showing his ability to perform under pressure. He not only topped his team in scoring but also demonstrated resilience, racking up 73 penalty minutes in the process, an indicator of his strong competitive nature. His 89 regular-season points ranked him second in the QMJHL, trailing only league scoring champion Jonathan Fauchon. For his contributions, Carbonneau earned a spot on the QMJHL’s First All-Star Team at the conclusion of the season.
Unique Development Path
Carbonneau’s profile is bolstered by his extensive experience, having played three years in the QMJHL—a rarity for players who typically take two years to develop. He had already made a significant impact as a 16-year-old, scoring 20 points in 32 games after being traded from the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies. Last year, he improved his tally to 31 goals and 59 points, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in junior hockey.
Recent Achievements and Skills
His recent performance at the CHL USA Prospects Challenge added to his credentials, where he shone against his peers, adding two points in just two games.
Carbonneau’s skill set includes a powerful shot and the ability to create plays, demonstrated in his play mechanics described by NHL Central Scouting as “natural.” He has shown consistent improvement in his skating attributed to his dedication to working with his skating coach, Barb Underhill, and strength coach, Jean-Philippe Riopel. The focus of his training has been to harness his natural power while enhancing his speed and agility, leading Riopel to believe Carbonneau still has physical growth ahead of him.
Work Ethic and Commitment
Mentors and coaches have stressed Carbonneau’s unyielding work ethic and commitment to self-improvement. Skills coach Maxim Noreau highlighted Carbonneau’s willingness to invest extra time in refining his craft, often making hours-long trips for additional training. This dedication has contributed significantly to his maturity as both a player and a person.
Preparation for the Combine
As he prepares for the combine, Carbonneau describes himself as “an offensive power forward” who thrives on using his size and speed to change the game. While acknowledging the excitement and pressure of the combine process, he remains focused on continuous development, particularly honing his skating skills further. His approach of taking it one day at a time has proven effective, reinforcing his reputation as a thoughtful, driven player.
Looking Ahead
With interviews lined up with 26 NHL teams, Carbonneau is set to showcase his abilities, maintaining a sense of calm and readiness.
“This is a big opportunity I’ve been waiting for my whole life, and I’m just focused on getting better each time I step on the ice,”
Carbonneau stated, encapsulating the balance of ambition and humility that defines his approach to the sport.
