One of the most hyped prospects in recent Blues memory makes his debut tonight — and fans cannot contain their excitement to see Jimmy Snuggerud. The former University of Minnesota product will make his debut on April 1 against the Detroit Red Wings, according to coach Jim Montgomery. He had his first skate with the team on March 31:
Jimmy Snuggerud is here. #stlblues pic.twitter.com/bdUTAk4VYs
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) March 31, 2025
Snuggerud enters the lineup as the team looks to win its 10th straight game. He’s excited to get on the ice with the guys, get to work, and win some games. “There’s no school anymore,” Snuggerud said, “just hockey.”
"I just want to win games and I want to be here for them."
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) March 31, 2025
Jimmy Snuggerud on his first day of practice in St. Louis. #stlblues pic.twitter.com/WmvZUbsFp1
Even St. Louis Blues media members are excited to see “Snuggy” at the big league level. Blues reporter Andy Strickland has high praise for Snuggerud, praising his one-timer ability and suggesting he could get some power play minutes:
“He brings the best one-timer from a right shot since David Perron… It’s a one-game situation, if he plays well, he’ll earn another game.”@andystrickland shares what to expect from Minnesota #Gophers star Jimmy Snuggerud in his #stlblues debut with @RealKyper & @jtbourne. pic.twitter.com/LUBoMf2EN2
— Sportsnet 590 The FAN (@FAN590) March 31, 2025
The Blues drafted Snuggerud 23rd overall in the 2022 NHL draft. He officially signed a three-year contract with the Blues on March 28.
Snuggerud leaves the Golden Gophers with 135 career points in three seasons with the program. As a freshman in 2023, he was the Big Ten scoring champion, and named to the All-Big Ten Freshman Team member and All-Big Ten Second Team. He made All-Big Ten First Team in both 2024 and 2025. He is also one of the finalists for the 2025 Hobey Baker award, given to the most excellent collegiate hockey player.
According to the Blues, he is one of only three players in Gophers history to score 20 or more goals in three consecutive seasons to begin his collegiate career. The Gophers celebrated Snuggerud’s promotion to the majors with a nice compilation of all 66 “Snuggy Snipes:”
Happy Jimmy Snuggerud NHL Debut Day 🥳
— Minnesota Men’s Hockey (@GopherHockey) April 1, 2025
Celebrate with all 6⃣6⃣ Snuggy Snipes in one place. pic.twitter.com/KGgazJN7DP
Snuggerud has played in the last two World Junior Classics, earning a gold and bronze in 2024 and 2023, respectively. In the 2024 semifinals against Finland, it was this goal that helped the team spur a comeback en route to the gold:
SNUGGERUD GOES BARDOWN WITH A LASER! ONE GOAL GAME!#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/ZOsuEdL473
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 4, 2024
Snuggerud was born in Chaska, Minnesota on June 1, 2004. He is the son of former Buffalo Sabres forward Dave Snuggerud. Jimmy, his father, and his grandfather Jim Westby all played for the University of Minnesota.