Should the Montreal Canadiens use their two first-round pick, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada’s Justin Carbonneau is a name they could call out on the podium. No, it’s not just because he’s a “p’tit gars de chez nous,” and he’s not related to former captain Guy Carbonneau; it’s because he has a lot of upsides.
The right-winger is 16th on the Central Scouting North American skater list, has scored 89 points in 62 games this season in the QMJHL, and likes to make flashy, big plays.
Canadiens: The Grades Are In - Jake Evans
Canadiens: Potential First-Round Pick – Cole Reschny
Could The Canadiens Look For A Trade With The Nashville Predators?
While Carbonneau could use his linemates more, he’s the kind of player who wants to have the puck on his stick when a big goal is needed, and he often manages to deliver, as his 46 goals in 62 games show. His desire to have the puck when it counts is similar to Lane Hutson’s. Although the Habs defenseman is a pass-first kind of guy, having them on the ice simultaneously would only mean they can complement each other.
As things stand, the Canadiens have a lot of playmakers, but putting the puck in the net can sometimes be an issue, so drafting a player who’s more of a scorer would make sense. Carbonneau is a risk taker, though, as you’ll be able to tell by watching this highlights package, and while he’s looking impressive there, he would need to adapt to the NHL's stiffer competition; things that work at the junior level don’t always work at the pro level.
Like everyone else, he’d need to learn to pick his spots, but the Canadiens have the right environment to allow young players to make those mistakes. Although the rebuild is fast evolving, greater emphasis will be put on results sooner rather than later. Still, Martin St-Louis has proven he knows how to handle young players and teach them valuable lessons without resorting to the traditional “one error, one benching” approach, which was all the rage in the NHL not long ago.
At the start of March, Nick Bobrov and Donald Audette took in the Armada’s game against the Drummondville Voltigeurs, allowing them to watch both Carbonneau and Caleb Desnoyers, the QMJHL’s top two prospects. Unless Kent Hughes manages to move significantly higher in the first round, Desnoyers will be long gone before the Canadiens speak, so it’s likely they were taking a closer look at Carbonneau, mainly since Bobrov has attended several games in Blainville-Boisbriand this season.
Carbonneau is creative. He’s got good speed for his size, soft hands, and a deceptive shot; there’s a lot to like in that package. His frame makes it easier to outbattle defenders or cut inside for the net. The winger also has a knack for shooting from everywhere on the ice and manages to score from anywhere, consistently a good tool to have in one’s arsenal.
Photo Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Canadiens stories, analysis, breaking news, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, never to miss a story.
Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @karinehains.bsky.social and Threads @karinehains.
Bookmark The Hockey News Canadiens' page for all the news and happenings around the Canadiens.