Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Michigan State's Trey Augustine, left, stops a goal attempt by Minnesota's Jimmy Snuggerud during a shootout on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at Munn Arena in East Lansing.
The St. Louis Blues added a significant piece to their future on Friday, as President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Doug Armstrong announced the signing of forward Jimmy Snuggerud to a three-year, entry-level contract. The 20-year-old Minneapolis native, selected 23rd overall in the first round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, will join the team on Monday and be available to the media following practice. For a Blues franchise looking to blend youth with its veteran core, Snuggerud’s arrival signals an exciting step forward.
Snuggerud comes to St. Louis fresh off a standout junior season at the University of Minnesota, where he served as a captain for the Gophers. Leading the team with 24 goals, 27 assists, and 51 points in 40 games, he ranked sixth nationally in goals and fifth in points. His performance earned him Big Ten First Team All-Star honors for the second straight year and a spot as a top-ten finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, recognizing the top collegiate player in the nation.
The forwards consistency and offensive abilities are what makes him a highly-touted prospect becoming just the third Gopher in program history to score 20 or more goals in each of his first three seasons. Across 119 NCAA games, the 6’2, 185-pound forward amassed 135 points (66 goals, 69 assists), showcasing his scoring touch and playmaking ability.
Internationally, Snuggerud has been just as impressive. At the 2025 U-20 World Junior Championships, he tallied eight points (five goals, three assists) in six games for Team USA. A three-time medalist, he previously won silver at the 2022 U-18 WJC, bronze at the 2023 U-20 WJC, and gold at the 2024 U-20 WJC. His pedigree as a big-game performer adds to the excitement surrounding his transition to the pros.
Snuggerud’s Impact and Expectations
Snuggerud’s scoring prowess immediately bolsters the Blues’ pipeline of offensive talent. His knack for finding the back of the net—evidenced by his 24 goals this season and consistent 20-goal collegiate campaigns—projects him as a legitimate top-six forward.
His size, skill, and hockey IQ suggest he can contribute at both ends of the ice, a trait the Blues value highly. While he may need time to adjust to the NHL’s pace, expectations are lofty: St. Louis sees him developing into a reliable goal-scorer who can thrive on the power play and in clutch moments.
For now, Blues fans can look forward to Snuggerud’s first steps with the team. His debut in practice next week offers a glimpse of what’s to come—a young star ready to carve his path in St. Louis. With a blend of collegiate dominance and international success, Snuggerud’s signing is a statement of intent from Armstrong and the Blues’ front office. The future is bright, and it’s starting to take shape right now.
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