Jimmy Snuggerud Exceeding Pro Expectations
Top prospect Jimmy Snuggerud is seamlessly acclimating to the pro level
When the St. Louis Blues selected Jimmy Snuggerud 23rd overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, the long-term vision was clear: a goal-scoring winger with a heavy shot, high hockey IQ, and the ability to thrive in a top-six role. What wasn’t expected—at least not this soon—was how quickly Snuggerud would make an impact at the NHL level.
After wrapping up a stellar junior season with the University of Minnesota, where he notched 24 goals and 51 points in 40 games while finishing with a +13 rating, Snuggerud made the leap to the NHL in late March. And from the moment he hit the ice in a Blues sweater, it’s been evident that the 20-year-old was ready for the challenge.
Snuggerud registered four points (1G, 3A) in just seven regular season games and earned a look inside the Blues’ middle-six, and even top-six forward group due to Dylan Holloway’s injury —playing primarily alongside veterans who have helped ease his transition.
What’s even more impressive, the coaching staff showed immediate trust in his offensive instincts, occasionally placing him on the team’s top power play unit. That decision paid off quickly, as Snuggerud buried his first career playoff goal in Game 2 of the Blues’ first-round series against the Winnipeg Jets—an emphatic one-timer from the left circle that showcased his signature NHL-ready shot.
What’s stood out most isn’t just the production—it’s how composed he looks. Snuggerud doesn’t panic with the puck, makes smart decisions in all three zones, and has shown a willingness to battle in high-traffic areas. While his three playoff games have been a small sample, he’s already demonstrated he can hold his own under the brightest lights, contributing two points (one goal, one assist) while averaging 17:42 TOI.
The early returns have exceeded expectations, and it’s fair to say Snuggerud has positioned himself as a full-time NHLer heading into 2025-26. His blend of skill, hockey sense, and natural scoring touch make him a prime candidate to be a cornerstone of the Blues’ evolving core.
If this is just the beginning, Blues fans should be very excited about what’s coming next.