A New Era for Blues Development Camp: Less Scrimmage, More Substance

Blues AGM Tim Taylor outlines a new vision for development camp—less scrimmaging, more growth—as top prospects begin their pro journey.

For years, NHL development camps were built around long hours on the ice, peppered with scrimmages and conditioning tests. But in 2025, the St. Louis Blues — like many teams across the league — are rethinking that approach. Now, it’s less about competition and more about connection.

In a Monday media session with Matthew DeFranks of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and Lou Korac of NHL.com, Blues Assistant General Manager Tim Taylor outlined how the team is shifting its focus toward development, character evaluation, and foundational work.

“We’re trying to see where these kids are, how they’ve grown,” Taylor said. “It’s more of a meet-and-greet and an opportunity to put the logo on.”

With a smaller group and fewer scrimmage demands — in part due to rookie camp rule changes — the Blues are using this camp to get a read on their prospects’ growth, maturity, and mindset rather than just their shot or skating stride.

Leadership Moments Before Laps

Take 2025 first-round pick Justin Carbonneau. Coming off of a 47-goal junior season and power-forward frame, Carbonneau impressed off the ice just as much — stepping up in an unexpected setting: a team cooking class.

St. Louis Blues prospect Justin Carbonneau

“He kind of took charge,” Taylor said. “He was telling people where the tomatoes and cucumbers were. He just has this presence, a confidence to him. He looks like a natural leader.”

It may not show up on a stat sheet, but that kind of maturity and initiative is exactly what the Blues want to see from top prospects in this environment.

Key Prospect Updates from Day One

In addition to Carbonneau, Taylor gave updates on several key players expected to turn pro or take the next step this fall:

• Jakub Štancl: Coming off a strong transition year from Europe to the CHL and finishing with the Thunderbirds in the AHL. “It was a good transition for him,” Taylor said. “He got a real sense of what pro hockey is about.” Stancl showed off his offensive flair throughout training camp, even in the 3v3 scrimmage where he scored twice.

• Colin Ralph: A World Juniors gold medalist moving to Michigan State. “They’re going to push each other — that group has the same NHL aspirations.”

• Lucas Fischer: The youngest player on his junior team, Fischer shouldered heavy responsibility as captain. “It was a tough year, but it was good for his maturity. He had to pick up his teammates every game.”