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Justin Carbonneau Scouting Report: 2025 NHL Draft #14

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Welcome to your 2025 NHL Entry Draft Headquarters right here at Last Word On Sports and Top Shelf Prospects. We have you covered with everything you will need to be ready for the big event. This year’s draft is set to take place on June 27th and 28th, live from the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, California. Today, we bring you our Justin Carbonneau Scouting Report. 

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Justin Carbonneau has steadily climbed the draft rankings this season after being outside the top-20 on many pre-season lists. He now sits at #14 for us, and I know one scout who has him as high as top-10. His dynamic, multifaceted game has allowed Carbonneau to obtain separation ahead of many other QMJHL draft hopefuls. Carbonneau possesses a physical frame that complements his power-forward style. His daunting stature, quickness, and exceptional understanding of where to be on the ice make him a strong force. There is still work to be done in rounding out his game, but he has done an exceptional job this season at guaranteeing a draft spot early this June.

Justin Carbonneau Scouting Report: 2025 NHL Draft #14

Right Wing – Shoots Right

Born Nov 25, 2006 – Lévis, QC, CAN

Height 6’1″ – Weight 192lbs [185cm/87kg]

Offensive Tools

Carbonneau’s game is most effective when he’s moving his feet. Although not the most technical skater, as he lacks elite lateral movement, his straight-line speed is above average for his size. He uses a powerful stride and deceptive movements to attack the inside lane and drive defenders back. Once on the rush, he can use his speed and frame to drive around the defender or cut to the middle. Justin’s hands are of exceptional benefit to his offensive game and some of the best in this class. His ability to fake wraparounds or disguise one-timers as cross-crease passes highlights his creativity and vision. He finished second in the QMJHL this season in points with 89 points in 62 games.

The most dangerous aspect of Carbonneau’s game is how versatile his shot is. He can fire off-angle wristers, shoot through screens, and adapt to difficult puck placements. He defines the meaning of quick release as it takes him milliseconds to let it fly. A shot like this makes him increasingly dangerous offensively as he can score off net drives, breakaways, in-tight redirections, or just letting it rip from the half wall. The only knock on his shooting is that it’s inefficient. A high percentage of his shots either miss the net or get blocked by opposing defenders.

A Work In Progress Off The Puck

Although servicable, Carbonneau still has work to do in refining his off-puck abilities. He angles well through the neutral zone, uses his stick actively to disrupt transition plays, and shows strong urgency when reloading after turnovers. Justin’s defensive posture has improved over the season as well.  He is quicker to read puck movement and has better lane coverage on the backcheck than in September. Carbonneau also has a wicked motor. His relentless forecheck and footspeed, combined with his physical style of play, allow him to close gaps on puck carriers, disrupt plays, and regain possession.

Despite this, he is yet to be completely relied upon defensively. His scanning off-puck can be delayed, and he often puck-watches or drifts away from high-danger areas. Carbonneau also doesn’t win as many battles as you’d expect—less than 50%—for someone of his size and physicality. This suggested he may not be as engaged in his own zone as he should be. Defensively, Justin will need to work on staying structurally sound while also winning more puck battles.

Comparisons and Projections

The two players that come to mind when watching Justine Carbonneau are Brock Boeser (Vancouver Canucks) and Drake Batherson (Ottawa Senators). The Boeser comparison comes from both players being powerful right-shot wingers with elite shot mechanics, high offensive ceiling, and some inconsistencies in their two-way games. With Batherson, on the other hand, it comes from their rush abilities, whether that be maneuvering through defenders or gliding effortlessly into the offensive zone.

Carbonneau projects as a top-six power winger with high offensive upside and the ability to score at all levels. His physical profile and offensive instincts give him a clear path to becoming a dangerous power-play contributor and a transitional weapon at 5-on-5. It is important that Justin continues developing physically and works on his game away from the puck. Expect his name to be called in the 10-20 range this June.

Main Photo: Jerome Miron- Imagn Images

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