The Blues prospect pool delivered one of its most notable weeks of the season. A new captain emerged in Spokane, a QMJHL forward rewrote franchise history, a KHL prospect was traded, and Steve Ott stepped behind the bench in Springfield for the first time. Add in strong NHL usage trends and several standout junior performances, and the system continues to show meaningful momentum.
Here’s everything that shaped the week of January 19–26.
Three Stars of the Week
1. Justin Carbonneau — Armada (QMJHL)
3 GP • 3G • 3A • 6 PTS • Franchise Record
Carbonneau didn’t just have a productive week, he made history. His third‑period power‑play goal Sunday officially moved him into first place on the Armada’s all‑time scoring list, capping a dominant three‑game stretch where he scored in every outing. The 19 year old is up to 35 goals and 55 points in 40 games this season. Should he continue this pace, Carbonneau is looking at 53 goals and 83 points in 60 games this season.
2. Vadim Zherenko — Springfield (AHL)
3 GP • 74 saves on 80 shots • .925 SV%
Zherenko once again carried the Thunderbirds, facing 80 shots in three games and giving Springfield a chance every night. His workload remains one of the heaviest in the AHL. With a change in coaching staff, Zherenko could see a reduced workload and reduced number of shots on goal per game. This season, the Thunderbirds 1A netminder has a 3.18 Goals Against Average and a .902 Save Percentage in 25 games played.
3. Adam Jiříček — Brantford (OHL)
3 GP • 4 assists • 9 SOG
Jiříček’s playmaking popped this week, with a three‑assist performance Sunday. He continues to drive offense from the blue line.
Carbonneau Makes Armada History
The biggest storyline of the week came out of the QMJHL, where Justin Carbonneau became the Armada’s all‑time leading scorer with a power‑play goal in Sunday’s 4–1 win.
Carbonneau has been trending upward this week after scoring two goals in his past six games heading into the week, but this milestone cements him as one of the most productive forwards in the league and a legitimate top-point producing candidate in the Blues’ system by seasons end.
Ott Era Begins in Springfield
Steve Ott stepped behind the Thunderbirds bench for the first time this weekend, and Springfield responded with tighter structure and improved defensive detail.
Results:
• 4–3 OT win
• 0–1 loss
Prospect notes under Ott:
Theo Lindstein — 2 GP, 1G, 9 SOG
Scored in the OT win and showed more confidence activating offensively. Look for Lindstein to become a consistent second pairing defender under Ott and for Lindstein to turn his game around.
Aleksanteri Kaskimäki — 2 GP, 2A
Quietly effective in transition with improved puck touches. He’s consistently playing top line minutes in Springfield and could challenge for another recall should another player go down due to injury in St. Louis.
Marc‑André Gaudet — 3 GP, 1G
Scored in the OT win and continues to show flashes of offensive upside. Lindstein’s defensive partner, look for this pairing to continue making strides under a different structure.
Simon Robertsson — 2 GP, 1G
Found the net for the first time this season and remains a volume dependent shooter. If he is unable to stay healthy, Robertsson will continue to slip down the depth chart.
McIsaac Takes the “C” in Spokane
The Blues’ 2024 fifth‑round pick, Will McIsaac, was named captain of the Spokane Chiefs — becoming the 38th captain in franchise history. It’s a major leadership endorsement for a defender who has logged:
• 247 WHL games
• +50 career rating
• Heavy minutes in all situations
May we have your attention please! Introducing: Captain Will McIsaac 🫡#GoChiefsGo pic.twitter.com/SEoxrzmVRW
— Spokane Chiefs (@spokanechiefs) January 22, 2026
This is exactly the type of “character and reliability” profile the Blues target in their middle‑round defensive picks.
Korotky Returns to SKA Lineup
After nearly two months out with a lower‑body injury, Matvei Korotky returned to action and immediately resumed his middle‑six role for SKA.
His Jan. 22 performance vs. Spartak:
• 14:57 TOI
• 1:49 PP time
• 7/15 on faceoffs
• Strong defensive detail in a tight 2–1 game
His weekend games were quieter, but the usage remained steady as the team’s second line Center. For a 7th‑round pick, Korotky’s ability to hold down KHL minutes remains one of the most encouraging overseas developments. He could be one of the most underrated prospects in the system.
KHL Shakeup: Vorobyov Traded to Amur
A notable overseas move saw Ivan Vorobyov traded from Spartak to Amur Khabarovsk in a two‑for‑one deal:
To Spartak: Ignat Korotkikh + monetary compensation
To Amur: Ivan Vorobyov, Grigori Kuzmin
Vorobyov logged 10:01 in his final Spartak game before the trade. Amur’s thinner forward depth chart gives him a clearer path to consistent KHL minutes, something he struggled to secure in Moscow. This is a genuine reset opportunity.
Other Notable Performances
Lukas Fischer — 3 GP, 2A, 7 hits - His physical engagement trending upward.
Matthew Mayich — 2 GP, 1G, 20:28 TOI Sunday - Heavy usage and steady defensive play.
Kaskimäki, Dean, Peterson, Stanci - Each added an assist during the week and continue to settle into their roles.
What to Watch This Week
• Vorobyov’s debut and deployment with Amur
• Lindstein’s pairing and usage under Ott
• Springfield’s zone‑exit efficiency in Ott’s first full week
• Carbonneau’s pursuit to continue rounding out his game before becoming a pro.
• Dvorsky’s faceoff usage in key moments and elevated game with Robert Thomas out of the lineup.
• Snuggerud’s shot volume rebound