Jimmy Snuggerud Signs with St. Louis Blues, Prepares for NHL Debut

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — The St. Louis Blues have solidified their roster ahead of the NHL playoffs by signing forward Jimmy Snuggerud to a three-year entry-level contract. The announcement was made by Blues President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Doug Armstrong on March 28, 2025. Snuggerud will join the team for practice on Monday at Centene Community Ice Center.

Snuggerud, 20, was drafted by the Blues in the first round as the 23rd overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. His impressive junior season at the University of Minnesota saw him serve as team captain, leading the Gophers with 24 goals, 27 assists, and a total of 51 points across 40 games.

Nationally, Snuggerud finished sixth in goals and fifth in total points for NCAA players this season, diving into accolades that include Big Ten First Team All-Star honors for the second consecutive year. He’s also a Top 10 finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, which recognizes the best collegiate hockey player.

“I’m excited to begin this new chapter of my career with the Blues,” Snuggerud said in a statement. “I appreciate the support I’ve received from the organization and am looking forward to contributing to a playoff push.”

In his three seasons at Minnesota, Snuggerud became only the third player in Gophers’ history to score 20 or more goals in three consecutive seasons. His collegiate career totals include 135 points from 66 goals and 69 assists, along with 113 penalty minutes over 119 games. Additionally, Snuggerud represented the U.S. at the 2025 Under-20 World Junior Championships, recording eight points (five goals, three assists) in six games.

Despite the Blues’ playoff aspirations, Snuggerud’s immediate debut remains uncertain. The team begins a crucial three-game homestand on Tuesday, with the possibility of playoffs looming. The Blues currently hold the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference, sitting five points ahead of the Vancouver Canucks and six points ahead of the Calgary Flames.

Having signed the contract now means Snuggerud’s first year on the deal will be considered “burned,” affecting his contract status for future seasons. Should he not play this year, the concern of possibly missing out on a roster spot in subsequent seasons looms.

As the team is in the midst of a chase for one of the wild-card slots, decisions about roster moves, including Snuggerud’s placement, could come frequently. Coach Jim Montgomery acknowledged that the team’s chemistry is strong, with recent successful performances leading to a record of 14-2-2 since the 4 Nations Face-Off, including a potent offensive output averaging four goals per game.

The signing of Snuggerud is viewed as a strategic move to bolster the Blues’ roster as they seek to navigate a competitive playoff race.