September 12, 2025
St. Louis blues news
The St. Louis Blues are making decisive moves to solidify their roster ahead of the 2025–26 season, signing top prospects and reshaping their depth chart as training camp approaches.
The organization announced the signing of Justin Carbonneau, the club’s 2025 first-round draft pick, to a three-year entry-level, two-way contract. Carbonneau, a highly touted forward with size and skill, is expected to get a long look in training camp as management evaluates how quickly he can transition to the NHL level.
Joining him is Nikita Susuev, a seventh-round pick from 2023, who also signed a two-way entry-level deal. Susuev’s journey to the NHL has been marked by steady development in the minors, and the Blues are intrigued by his potential as a versatile depth piece.
In addition to the new faces, the Blues have secured continuity by re-signing Nikita Alexandrov to a one-year, two-way contract. Alexandrov, who has bounced between the AHL and NHL in recent seasons, faces a pivotal training camp as his waiver eligibility could force the team to make a tough roster decision. His ability to stick with the big club may depend on his performance this September.
General manager Doug Armstrong emphasized the importance of camp this year, noting that the team is carefully monitoring which young players are ready to take the next step. “This season is about evaluating talent and building organizational depth,” Armstrong said. “We want our prospects to push for jobs and force tough decisions.”
The Blues are also eyeing the future of several veterans as multiple players enter the final year of their contracts. The front office will use this season to determine which of those players fit into the team’s long-term plans, balancing the need for experience with the organization’s shift toward youth.
As training camp opens on September 18 at the Centene Community Ice Center, all eyes will be on how the newcomers integrate with the core roster and whether emerging talent can seize roster spots. With the Blues entering a critical stage of retooling, these signings signal a commitment to building a roster that can compete not only this season but in the years to come.
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