5 Blues Prospects to Watch Next Season

The St. Louis Blues are continuing to build out a prospect pool that is not top-heavy but is becoming deeper and more well-rounded. There may not be a clear superstar at the top yet, but there is a growing group of players who are trending in the right direction and could play meaningful roles in the next phase of the team’s development.

The 2026-27 season will be a critical one for several of these prospects. Some are pushing toward professional hockey, others are already there, and a few are developing in strong leagues against high-level competition. Here is a closer look at five Blues prospects to watch next season.

5. Felix Trudeau

Felix Trudeau took a different path to the Blues organization, signing as an undrafted free agent in March 2026 following his NCAA career at Sacred Heart.

During his final season, 2025-26, he produced at a high level, recording 25 goals and 48 points in 39 games. That offensive jump helped solidify his profile as more than just a depth option and showed growth in his overall game.

He has developed into a dependable two-way forward whose value goes beyond the scoresheet. While his offensive production has improved, his awareness, effort, and ability to contribute in all three zones continue to define his game.

After signing, he appeared in eight games with Springfield in the American Hockey League (AHL), recording one goal and one assist as he began adjusting to the professional level.

He plays a responsible style, understands positioning, and can be used in a variety of situations. That versatility gives him a chance to carve out a role at the next level.

Next season will likely be his first full year in the AHL, and that transition will be key in determining how his game translates. If he adjusts well, he could develop into a reliable bottom-six forward who can be trusted in multiple roles.

4. Colin Ralph

On the defensive side, Colin Ralph brings a steady, defense-first presence to the Blues’ prospect pool.

The 20-year-old spent last season at Michigan State, where he recorded 11 points in 35 games while maintaining a strong defensive impact. His game is built more on positioning and physicality than on offensive production.

Ralph uses his size effectively, makes smart decisions with the puck, and can be trusted in difficult defensive situations. That reliability is an important trait for a young defenseman.

He is expected to return to Michigan State next season and could take on a larger role. Continued development in his puck movement and confidence will be key.

At the NHL level, he projects as a shutdown defenseman who can provide stability on the back end.

3. Matvei Korotky

Matvei Korotky has quickly become one of the more intriguing late-round prospects in the Blues system after being selected in the seventh round of the 2024 NHL Draft.

He spent last season in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) with SKA St. Petersburg, competing against experienced professionals. Before suffering a lower-body injury on Oct. 31, he recorded nine goals and 15 points in his first 20 games, which is an impressive start in a league of that caliber.

He returned to the lineup on Jan. 22, 2026, and finished the season with 14 goals and 13 assists for 27 points in 43 games. Despite missing time, he remained productive and showed he can consistently contribute at a high level.

His offensive instincts stand out. Korotky finds open space, gets his shot off quickly, and plays with confidence in scoring areas. Producing at that level against professional competition makes his performance even more notable.

He is expected to remain in the KHL next season, where he could take on a larger role. If his production continues, he has a strong chance to develop into one of the biggest steals from the 2024 draft class.

2. Adam Jiricek

A major piece of the Blues’ future on the blue line is Adam Jiricek, who was selected 16th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft.

He put together an outstanding season with the Brantford Bulldogs in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), recording 19 goals and 59 points in 55 games. That production is elite for a defenseman and was complemented by steady play in his own zone.

Jiricek’s game is built on skating, puck movement, and awareness. He can contribute on the power play while also handling defensive responsibilities, and his composure under pressure stands out for a player his age.

Once his OHL season ended, he joined the Thunderbirds during their playoff run and appeared in six games. Like Carbonneau, he did not register a point, but gaining experience in meaningful AHL games is an important part of his transition to professional hockey.

He is expected to start next season in the AHL, and if he adjusts quickly, he could push for NHL time sooner than expected. In the long term, he projects as a top-four defenseman who can be used in all situations.

1. Justin Carbonneau

The most exciting prospect in the system right now is Justin Carbonneau, the Blues’ first-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.

The 19-year-old spent last season with the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), where he scored 51 goals and finished with 80 points in 60 games. That level of production placed him among the league’s top scorers and reinforced his reputation as a high-end finisher.

His game is centered around his shot. Carbonneau has a quick, NHL-caliber release that allows him to score from a variety of areas, and he is not afraid to battle around the net to create chances. That combination makes him a constant offensive threat.

After his junior season came to an end, he joined the Thunderbirds during their playoff run, appearing in three games. While he did not record a point, the experience of stepping into a high-intensity AHL postseason environment is a valuable step in his development.

Next season, he is expected to begin his professional career in the AHL with Springfield. Improving his consistency away from the puck will be a major focus, but if that part of his game comes along, he projects as a top-six winger with strong goal-scoring ability.

A Lot to Look Forward to

The Blues may not have a clear superstar prospect yet, but the depth of their system is trending in the right direction. With several players taking key steps in their development, the 2026-27 season will be an important one. If that progress continues, there is a lot to look forward to in St. Louis.