The St. Louis Blues will face the Chicago Blackhawks in a two-game rookie showcase, providing their top prospects with their first real look at game action. The games will take place on September 14 at 6 p.m. and September 15 at 4 p.m. at USG Arena inside the Blackhawks Ice Center.
Prior to the showcase, the Blues will hold practices on September 12 and 13 at Centene Community Ice Center, leading into their main training camp opening on September 17.
This event offers several young players a chance to impress before training camp begins. While the Blues have notable veterans on the roster, here are five prospects to watch based on their development stage and potential NHL readiness.
5. Lukas Fischer
Defenseman Lukas Fischer concluded a strong 2023-24 OHL season, finishing with 44 points (8 goals, 36 assists) in 65 games between the Sarnia Sting and Soo Greyhounds. His 36 assists ranked 11th among OHL defensemen, showcasing his playmaking ability from the blue line.
Fischer combines size and offensive prowess, making him a reliable two-way defenseman capable of contributing offensively without neglecting his defensive duties. Having played three AHL games in 2024-25, he will seek to build on his momentum in this high-profile matchup.
4. Felix Trudeau
Forward Felix Trudeau enters the showcase fresh off a record-breaking college season, where he led the nation in scoring with 48 points (25 goals, 23 assists) in 39 games for Sacred Heart. He captured the Atlantic Hockey America Player of the Year award and earned First All-Star Team honors, including a top-10 Hobey Baker Award nod.
Trudeau made his professional debut with the Springfield Thunderbirds, registering one goal and one assist in eight AHL games earlier this year. The 23-year-old’s physical development (6’2”, 200 lbs) and proven scoring touch make him a key prospect to watch in Chicago as he adapts to professional hockey’s demands.
3. Colin Ralph
Defenseman Colin Ralph contributed 10 assists in 37 games for Michigan State in 2023-24, helping the Spartans secure the Big Ten regular-season title. He also represented the U.S. at the 2025 World Junior Championship, winning gold.
At 6’4”, Ralph’s size complements his agile skating and positional defense. Signed to an entry-level contract in April, he will transition from college hockey to professional competition, aiming to leverage his reach and playreading skills.
2. Justin Carbonneau
Forward Justin Carbonneau capped off a dominant 2023-24 campaign with 80 points (51 goals, 29 assists) in 60 QMJHL games, winning the Mario Lemieux Trophy as the league’s goal-scoring leader. He added 20 points in 17 playoff contests before joining Springfield for three Calder Cup playoff appearances.
The 2025 first-round pick’s rocket shot and creative playmaking require adjustments as he faces faster, larger opponents. His speed and tenacity will be tested in Chicago as he works to translate junior success to professional hockey.
1. Aleksanteri Kaskimaki
Center Aleksanteri Kaskimaki emerges as the most NHL-ready prospect in this group. The 22-year-old recorded 44 points (20 goals, 24 assists) in 64 AHL games in 2023-24, leading Springfield in both goals and points. His prior five-game NHL stint with the Blues provided firsthand experience at the highest level.
Kaskimaki’s versatility (center/wing), NHL experience, and AHL production position him as the standout prospect. A consistent performance in Chicago could solidify his case for a spot on the Blues’ NHL roster when training camp begins.
While this two-game series won’t settle the roster questions, it provides the organization with critical evaluation time before camp. All five prospects have opportunities to impress and accelerate their development trajectories.
