Jimmy Snuggerud picked a great time to make his NHL debut.
The 20-year-old USHL alum, who was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the first round (23rd overall) in the 2022 NHL Draft, joined the club Tuesday and logged 10:43 of ice time in a 3-2 overtime victory over the Detroit Red Wings.
Snuggerud had two shots on goal in the win, which extended the Blues’ winning streak to 10. He logged 15 shifts, including less than two minutes on a power-play chance.
While he had been to St. Louis in the past for prospect camps, the 6-foot-2, 187-pound right winger had never played in Enterprise Center until Tuesday.
As is often the case with highly-touted prospects, once that debut comes, it’s a whirlwind of activity. Snuggerud signed a three-year entry-level contract last Friday, one day after his University of Minnesota Gophers were eliminated in the regional semifinals of the NCAA Tournament. Three days later, he practiced with the team before finding himself in a pivotal game during a hotly-contested playoff race on Tuesday.
Snuggerud, however, wouldn’t have had it any other way.
“It was fun. So exciting,” Snuggerud said after the game. “The rink was so energetic. Everything about the game, the comeback at the end, it was an awesome game.”
Jordan Kyrou tied the contest with 30 seconds left in regulation, and Cam Fowler scored the game-winner in overtime, as the Blues continue their hold on the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference.
Snuggerud played three seasons of collegiate hockey at Minnesota, where he recorded 51 points (24-27-51) in 40 games this season. He’s one of 10 finalists for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, which will ironically be announced on Thursday in St. Louis.
During his time with the Gophers, Snuggerud posted 135 points (66-69-135) in 119 games.
In two USHL seasons with USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program (NTDP), Snuggerud appeared in 55 games and totaled 40 points (13-27-40). He also led Team USA to the first of its back-to-back World Junior Championships with five goals in six games.
While his debut was brief, the Blues proved they are not afraid to throw their top prospect into the fire. St. Louis is counting on his offense, but he impressed scouts with his patience on puck and crisp cross-ice passes.
Aside from one giveaway during Tuesday night’s debut, Snuggerud showed he was worthy of the Blues’ confidence.
