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’ future is glowing brighter by the day thanks to the impressive development of their 2022 first-round draft pick, Jimmy Snuggerud. The Big Ten Conference announced their postseason awards, naming Snuggerud, a junior forward at the University of Minnesota, to the All-Big Ten First Team.
This honor adds to an already impressive resume that includes NCAA (B1G) All-Rookie Team (2022-23), NCAA (B1G) Regular Season Champion and Scoring Champion (2022-23), NCAA (B1G) Second All-Star Team (2022-23), NCAA (USCHO) Second Team (2022-23), U20 WJC Bronze Medal and Top 3 Player on Team (2022-23), NCAA (B1G) First All-Star Team (2023-24), NCAA Top Collegiate Player (Hobey Baker Award) Nominee (2023-24), and U20 WJC Gold Medal (2023-24).
A threat from anywhere. His 22nd of the year.
— Minnesota Men’s Hockey (@GopherHockey) March 1, 2025
🍎 Moore, L.Mittelstadt pic.twitter.com/ubcGFK1TmN
Snuggerud’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. After an explosive rookie season with 21 goals and 50 points in 40 games, he experienced a sophomore regression, scoring 21 goals and 34 points in 39 games. However, this year, the Chaska, Minnesota native has bounced back spectacularly, notching a career-high 22 goals and 49 points in 39 games. His leadership as one of the Gophers team captains and his lethal shot have made him a dominant force, ranking him among the NCAA’s top scorers with a +14 rating over the 2024-25 campaign.
Joining Snuggerud on the All-Big Ten First Team are Isaac Howard, Aiden Fink, Matt Basgall, Sam Rinzel, and Trey Augustine. With the NCAA Frozen Four set for St. Louis in April, Snuggerud could cap his college career with a national title on his future home ice before joining the Blues.
Snuggerud’s accolades and statistical resurgence this season are one of the many bright spots for Blues prospects. After choosing to return for his junior year to hone his skills and chase an NCAA championship title, his 2024-25 performance, bolstered by past accolades like the Hobey Baker nomination, positions him as a potential cornerstone for St. Louis. As the Blues prepare for the future, Snuggerud’s remarkable journey from a rookie sensation to an All-Big Ten standout provides a glimpse of the excitement that fans can anticipate.