MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo.—Jimmy Snuggerud practiced with the Blues for the first time after being drafted in the first round, 23rd overall by St. Louis, in 2022. The young forward is known for finding the back of the net and felt his first practice went well.
“It was good. It was a fast-paced practice, a lot of movement, a lot of speed, it was fun. It was just great to get on the ice with the guys,” said Jimmy Snuggerud, Blues Forward. “I’m playing for everyone else in here. I’m here to win hockey games and that’s what I’ve been telling all the guys. They’re the hottest team in the NHL and I’m so grateful to be a part of it.”
Snuggerud repeatedly said he’s picking the brains of those around him and learning by observing his teammates.
“The speed, it showed quick. The first drill, you kind of have to be ready from the start and there’s so many good players on the ice so just watch them and what they’re doing.”
Snuggerud was not sure if he’d play Tuesday night against the Red Wings but Head Coach Jim Montgomery seemed very pleased with his first practice.
“You know it’s a quality talent that we’ve acquired and just going to make us deeper and better,” said Montgomery. “You can tell his brain; he understands time and space. He’s a scorer and a shooter. And those guys know how to get open; they’ve been getting open their whole lives. You can see his puck support and release are ideal for the bumper position.”
Bumper position would be a first in a long time but not too tall of an order for the 6’2” 185 pounds forward.
“I played (bumper) growing up with the national team a little bit,” said Snuggerud. “I’ve done some scenarios up there but it really makes it easy playing bumper when with four other really good players out there.”
Montgomery does not think bringing in Snuggerud during this playoff push will disrupt team chemistry.
“I think if you communicate to everybody that’s involved, especially your leaders and they understand that when we bring in a new player it’s an opportunity for us to get better,” said Montgomery. “That’s why we’re doing it and then in the end all we want is to put the best players on the ice and the best team possible. I’ll sit with the staff and we’ll see if we make a change to the lineup or not.”
Blues Captain, Brayden Schenn, echoed his coach.
“Let him come in, find his game and at the same time don’t put pressure on him. Just let him play and get better game by game,” said Schenn. “Guys catch on pretty fast and that’s just playing simple, hard for one another, being selfless and going out there to play for your teammates. Obviously, that comes with winning and guys are doing that for one another. I don’t think it’ll take him long.”
With the Blues winning nine straight games going into a matchup with the Red Wings, Snuggerud is a luxury and doesn’t need to be their lifesaver.
“He can score, he’s got a good shot,” said Schenn. “Obviously, he has elite talent and at the same time you don’t expect him to come in here and be this guy that’s going to save your season or whatever. He’s just got to be a piece for us and that’s all we need from him. Play his game.”
Snuggerud’s game has been impressive at the collegiate level and for Team USA during the U-20 World Junior Championships (WJC). He scored 24 goals, 21 assists and 51 points in 40 games for the Minnesota Gophers last season. Nationally, he was tied for sixth in goals and fifth in points in college hockey. He dressed for 119 career NCAA games, totaling 135 points (66 goals and 69 assists). Also, Snuggerud has three medals with Team USA in the U-20 WJC while tallying eight points with five goals and three assists in six WJC tournament games. Most recently, he won gold in the 2024 U-20 WJC.
