Blues’ 2025 Draft Preview: Five Prospects Who Could Shape the Future at 19th Overall

The St. Louis Blues hold the 19th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, scheduled for June 27 in Los Angeles. This selection is not expected to impact the NHL roster in the short term but instead serves as a key addition to the organization’s prospect pipeline. With a typical development timeline of three or more years, the Blues are targeting a player who could contribute at the NHL level around the 2028–29 season—strengthening depth at key positions and aligning with the long-term outlook of the franchise.

With that timeline in mind, here are eight draft-eligible prospects who fit the profile: long-term upside, positional value, and alignment with the Blues’ identity.

Logan Hensler, D, Wisconsin (NCAA)

6’2”, 195 lbs, Right Shot | 2024–25 Stats: 2 goals, 12 points  and a -13 in his first 32 NCAA games 

Why: Smooth-skating right-shot defenseman with top-four upside

Hensler is a poised and mobile right-shot defenseman who projects as a future top-four contributor with strong two-way potential. His skating, transitional play, and offensive instincts are complemented by a mature defensive game that earned him a spot on Team USA at the World Juniors. Hensler’s development in the NCAA provides a stable and gradual path, allowing him to refine his game while logging top-pair minutes against quality competition. With two more college seasons and 1–2 years in the AHL, he could be ready to make his NHL debut by 2028–29. This would potentially lead to a long-term pairing with Adam Jiricek and help solidify the Blues’ next-generation blue line.

Cameron Reid, D, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

6’0”, 174 lbs, Left Shot | Alternate Captain | 2024–25 Stats: 14 goals, 54 points and a +39 rating in 67 games 

Why: Physical, shutdown presence with rising puck-moving ability

Reid is a well-rounded, left-shot defenseman who blends size, mobility, and defensive reliability—traits that align closely with the Blues’ identity. A standout at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, he tallied two assists and helped Canada capture gold, showcasing his leadership and composure on the international stage. In the OHL, Reid continued to elevate his game, posting 14 goals and 54 points in 67 games—a sign of his growing offensive confidence and ability to drive play in transition.

While not the flashiest prospect, Reid’s steady development, smart decision-making, and physical style make him a safe, long-term option for a top-four role. With another year in the OHL and 1–2 seasons in the AHL, he projects to be NHL-ready by 2028–29, bringing dependable two-way impact to the Blues’ left side.

Bill Zonnon, LW/C, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL)

6’2”, 190 lbs, Left Shot | Alternate Captain | 2024–25 Stats: 28 goals, 83 points and a +5 rating in 64 games - Alternate Captain

Why: Two-way, middle-six projection with positional flexibility

Zonnon is a versatile, two-way forward who plays a hard, north-south game and brings the kind of physical edge and forechecking tenacity that fits seamlessly with the Blues’ identity. While not elite in any single area, he does a lot of things well—contributing in all three zones, maintaining responsible positioning, and showing flashes of offensive touch. His production in the QMJHL and ability to play both center and wing add flexibility to his long-term value.

Projected as a middle-six contributor, Zonnon could become a reliable depth forward capable of driving play below the dots, winning board battles, and killing penalties. If he sticks at center, he could help stabilize the depth behind Robert Thomas in future seasons. With two more years in junior and 1–2 seasons of AHL seasoning, Zonnon is on track for a potential NHL debut around 2028—just in time to fill gaps created by expiring contracts and aging veterans.

Justin Carbonneau, RW, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)

6’1”, 191 lbs, Right Shot | 2024–25 Stats: 46 goals, 89 points and a +3 rating in 62 games 

Why: High-upside scoring winger with top-six potential

Carbonneau is a competitive, right-shot winger who combines offensive production, motor, and skill—traits that align well with the Blues’ long-term needs on the wing. He plays with energy and pace, showing a nose for scoring areas and a willingness to battle in traffic. His QMJHL numbers point to legitimate top-six upside, and his physical engagement without taking unnecessary penalties reflects a mature, team-first approach.

Though his decision-making under pressure can still be inconsistent, it’s a coachable area that should improve with pro development. With another season of junior and 2-3 years in the AHL, he’s a candidate to debut in 2028–29. Carbonneau’s style and timing could make him an ideal internal replacement on the right side, bringing skill, edge, and scoring ability to a future NHL middle-six role with power-play floor potential.

Benjamin Kindel, C/W, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)

5’10”, 176 lbs, Right Shot | 2024–25 Stats: 35 goals, 99 points and a +39 rating in 65 games 

Why: Dynamic playmaker with special teams value and versatility

Kindel is a creative, high-upside forward who brings playmaking vision, offensive flair, and power-play production. Though undersized at 5’10”, he makes up for it with his puck skill, offensive awareness, and relentless motor. Comfortable at both center and wing, Kindel adds lineup flexibility and excels in transition, consistently generating chances off the rush or from below the dots.

This past season, he helped Canada win gold at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the IIHF U18 World Championship, impressing with his impact against top peers and ability to thrive in high-pressure situations.

Kindel projects as a second-line winger at the NHL level due to his size and sheltered minutes, possesses vision, offensive creativity, and a strong work ethic. He could be a valuable asset to the Blues’ lineup by 2028–29, filling a critical need for skill and special teams production, with two more WHL seasons and 1–2 years in the AHL.

READ MORE: Why Trading Jordan Kyrou Would Be a Mistake for the Blues