Blues first-round pick Jimmy Snuggerud to return to Minnesota for junior season
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St. Louis Blues first-round pick Jimmy Snuggerud will return to the University of Minnesota for his junior season, the team announced in a statement Tuesday.
Snuggerud was considering joining the Blues after Minnesota lost 6-3 to Boston University in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Frozen Four.
“It was a tough ending to this season, and I feel like we have some unfinished business to accomplish,” Snuggerud said in St. Louis’ statement. “I am committed to this team and excited for the opportunity next year with the Gophers.”
The 19-year-old winger scored 21 goals and 34 points over 39 games with the Golden Gophers in the 2023-24 season. Snuggerud has 42 goals and 84 points over 79 career NCAA games.
He also had five goals and eight points at the 2024 World Juniors for the gold-medal-winning USA.
“After talking to Jimmy and his family the past couple days, the organization fully supports his decision to commit to another season at the University of Minnesota,” said Blues general manager Doug Armstrong. “We look forward to watching his continued development towards becoming a solid contributor for the St. Louis Blues in the future by playing a lead role for the Golden Gophers against top college competition next year.”
St. Louis entered Tuesday three points behind the Los Angeles Kings for the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference, with a 40-31-4 record.
The Blues selected Snuggerud, a Minnesota native, 23rd overall in the 2022 NHL Draft.
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