Justin Carbonneau is emerging as one of the most intriguing sleepers in the 2025 NHL Draft class. Currently starring for the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada in the QMJHL, the dynamic winger is drawing attention from scouts and analysts for his elite offensive skill set, physical edge, and star-level potential. While he may not be a household name yet, Carbonneau’s combination of scoring talent, agility, and physicality makes him a legitimate candidate to rise up draft boards.
Carbonneau’s offensive toolkit is among the most complete in the draft. With a quick, deceptive release and high-end playmaking vision, he’s dangerous from anywhere in the offensive zone. His ability to break down defenders in one-on-one situations and create space for himself or teammates is a constant threat. Scouts praise his hockey sense and his ability to process the game at a high speed.
Elite Puck-Handling and Speed
A gifted skater with elite edgework, Carbonneau uses his agility and puck control to attack off the rush and navigate tight spaces with ease. Whether he’s entering the zone at top speed or dangling through defenders along the wall, his skating and hands work together to keep defenders guessing.
What sets Carbonneau apart from many finesse forwards is his physical mentality. A former football player, he brings that same aggressive, north-south approach to the rink. He’s tough to knock off the puck, willingly engages in board battles, and plays with an edge that coaches love.
Defensively, Carbonneau remains a work in progress. His awareness and positioning in his own zone need refinement, and he can occasionally try to do too much offensively, leading to turnovers. Still, his adaptability and willingness to grow suggest these issues are coachable.
High-End Comparisons and NHL Projection
Scouts have compared his playing style and offensive instincts to Brock Boeser and Jonathan Drouin. One scouting source even labeled him as having “top-five skill and star potential.” If he continues to refine his game and round out his defensive responsibilities, Carbonneau could develop into a top-six NHL forward with serious point-producing upside.
Justin Carbonneau’s DIR of 2.48 places him in the top 10% of QMJHL draft-eligible forwards, showing he's not just a skilled scorer — he drives transitions, plays physically, and creates space with a football mentality. This custom stat paints a more complete picture of his upside and two-way value than raw points alone.
Carbonneau may not be generating top-three buzz yet, but his skill set, physical makeup, and scoring instincts position him as one of the true hidden gems of the 2025 NHL Draft. For teams willing to bet on upside and offensive flair, Carbonneau might just be the steal of the draft.
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