Prospect Info: Blues 2023-2024 Prospect Thread

[CaliforniaBlues310]

I’m very surprised that Snuggy is going back for another year, but he’s definitely chasing what his dad never got at Minnesota.

It’s probably for the best, but I’m still bummed about it. Holding out the slightest hope that he pulls a Cooley and changes his mind.

 

[ExtraExtra888]

Is the thought that he's going to play off Moore's flank? I really don't think those two gel very well, and can't see it getting a whole lot better. Feels fairly high risk for a stagnation year. I know he played with Nelson, too, but he's graduated, correct?

Overall...I think it makes sense, but from a purely developmental standpoint, I would've rather him be in the AHL given the type of game he plays. Not to mention that I'm now questioning how deep and unbending his Minnesota ties are. A little tin-foily...but SOOOO many NCAA players have signed in far more 'raw' condition than Snuggerud.

EDIT: New comments he references Faber coming back for JR year and wanting to follow that path. That's a helluva mold to follow, so credit to him for recognizing he's got work to do and his willingness to come back as a leader.

Or the Faber path of getting traded to the Minnesota Wild? Haha......

 

[CaliforniaBlues310]

Or the Faber path of getting traded to the Minnesota Wild? Haha......

Massively different situation lol

 

[AyeBah]

He should at least play in the AHL and play nearly double the games against men. This is a disaster and could be a wasted year IMO

 

[bleedblue1223]

Faber did just fine this season by going back to NCAA, instead of AHL. It's not a disaster if he does sign here next season.

 

[TK 421]

Would have preferred he signed and been available to both the Blues and Springfield but extra development at the D1 level is a solid route.

He could be well supported in Springfield while if he was on the Blues there's a very real question of who the No2 C would be. That answer could/would directly impact him and perhaps the uncertainty affected his decision or maybe it was nothing more than he wants a National Championship. Idk, but that's one less weapon available to the Blues next season.

 

[BadgersandBlues]

Overall I think this is a bit surprising, but not the end of the world. I wonder if Army actually recommended this, as right now we are dead in the thick of a playoff race (No matter what the stats say our chances are, you know Army is pushing for us to win and get in) and didn't think it was fair to either the player (Who has had a pretty rough last 1-2 months of hockey) or the team (Clearly pushing to win, not develop) to sign him and basically guarantee he'd get NHL games this year.

Bolduc should now recognize that he's got a legit shot at making the NHL out of training camp next year and the only person stopping him is him.

 

[taylord22]

Bolduc has a grand opportunity to cement himself as a middle 6 option next season with Snuggy not making the jump.

Regardless of whether this is the best decision for him — and by most accounts, it clearly is — in terms of his NHL career, he's going to be in a decidedly more difficult position coming into camp in 2025. Assuming everyone stays with the club between now and then, Bolduc and Dean are likely fixtures, Dvorsky (if he isn't already) will likely be well ahead in development, and potentially even Stenberg.

The real questions are: how long does Armstrong wait to put a true sniper on Thomas's wing? and does this impact the Buch contract in any significant way? We're a top line winger and 2C short of creating balance.

 

[Blueston]

Regardless of whether this is the best decision for him — and by most accounts, it clearly is — in terms of his NHL career, he's going to be in a decidedly more difficult position coming into camp in 2025. Assuming everyone stays with the club between now and then, Bolduc and Dean are likely fixtures, Dvorsky (if he isn't already) will likely be well ahead in development, and potentially even Stenberg.

The real questions are: how long does Armstrong wait to put a true sniper on Thomas's wing? and does this impact the Buch contract in any significant way? We're a top line winger and 2C short of creating balance.

that is good point. this probably does increase likelihood that wee see bolduc get real chance at middle 6 role next year, and also does help dean and dvo have a pathway too, as we were not likely to have 4 rookies playing regularly up front. so long as he signs with us after his junior season, this isn't necessarily a bad development. assuming he signs.

 

[Majorityof1]

Blues Fans - Snuggerud is not ready for the NHL so it's fine he is staying on college.

Also Blues Fans - Snuggerud staying in college opens a top 6 NHL position for Bolduc.

What?!?! If Snuggy wasn't ready, how would he have blocked Bolduc. These same opinions are coming from the same person in the same post. People are huffin copium in one nostril and Snuggy overhype in the other.

Also when has Armstrong never signed a vet to push youngsters. Bolduc's chances of playing next year were the same yesterday as they are today. He'll have to beat out a vet to earn the role

 

[taylord22]

Blues Fans - Snuggerud is not ready for the NHL so it's fine he is staying on college.

Also Blues Fans - Snuggerud staying in college opens a top 6 NHL position for Bolduc.

What?!?! If Snuggy wasn't ready, how would he have blocked Bolduc. These same opinions are coming from the same person in the same post. People are huffin copium in one nostril and Snuggy overhype in the other.

Also when has Armstrong never signed a vet to push youngsters. Bolduc's chances of playing next year were the same yesterday as they are today. He'll have to beat out a vet to earn the role

Snuggerud not feeling ready to make the jump vs. being incapable of making the jump are two different things. He may have hit serious walls down the stretch, but he genuinely still looked like a man playing against boys through the WJC. Air drop him on this team tonight and he immediately becomes the best shooter on the team. He would've gotten PP time with one of the best passers in the NHL...no doubt about it. Maybe he wouldn't have stayed up, but he would've been in the conversation...with Bolduc

Re: Boludc He's playing on the 3rd line with limited minutes and has a summer ahead of him.

We are gapped with true top-6 talent/skill, which he has. He can shoot, and Armstrong HAS to get Thomas paired with a shooter...even if it's in limited minutes. Special teams. Down a goal. 6 on 5...you need that role. With that, Bolduc absolutely has a clearer path at more minutes in the top-6 and on the PP with Snuggerud staying in the NCAA. Barring a trade/UFA signing for a top-6 winger.

 

[Majorityof1]

Snuggerud not feeling ready to make the jump vs. being incapable of making the jump are two different things. He may have hit serious walls down the stretch, but he genuinely still looked like a man playing against boys through the WJC. Air drop him on this team tonight and he immediately becomes the best shooter on the team. He would've gotten PP time with one of the best passers in the NHL...no doubt about it. Maybe he wouldn't have stayed up, but he would've been in the conversation...with Bolduc

Re: Boludc He's playing on the 3rd line with limited minutes and has a summer ahead of him.

We are gapped with true top-6 talent/skill, which he has. He can shoot, and Armstrong HAS to get Thomas paired with a shooter...even if it's in limited minutes. Special teams. Down a goal. 6 on 5...you need that role. With that, Bolduc absolutely has a clearer path at more minutes in the top-6 and on the PP with Snuggerud staying in the NCAA. Barring a trade/UFA signing for a top-6 winger.

He can't skate at an NHL level yet. He can't play D at an NHL level yet. He fell apart after 40 games, how is he playing 82?

Who was the failed prospect we signed a couple years ago who had an absolute cannon of a shot but was nothing more than AHL fodder? It takes a lot more than a shot to be a Top 6 NHL player.

Thomas is playing against the other team's best players and you want to throw Snuggerud out there with him? Let's tie one hand behind Thomas's back and make him play with a pee wee stick too if we want to hamstring him on D.

Edit: Martin Frk is the guy I was thinking of. Prospect was probably misleading as he us now 28. He is playing overseas now. Hell of a shot but that is it.

 

[STL fan in MN]

not thrilled with today's snuggy news. he had fairly disappointing season, particularly 2nd half. he doesn't seem ready for nhl. however, with any college prospect once they go back for junior year you start to get nervous as to whether they will sign with drafting club. how worried should we be?

IDK, maybe we should ask Oshie, Backes, Bishop, Cole or Perunovich. All of them went back for their Jr years, all of them signed with the Blues after that season.

Snuggerud also said he wants to model Faber’s path to the NHL. Guess how many years Faber played for U of M? 3!

It’s slightly disappointing news but having watched over half of the Gophers’ games this season, I’m not going to say this was a bad decision. He absolutely still has things to work on. And he can be more of a leader now too, likely getting a letter.

I’ll have to try to dig up who the incoming freshman class is projected to be - see if there will be any big names added to help boost the roster.
EDIT: here are the Gophers Recruits.
Ziemer is ranked 42nd by Central Scouting; Whipple 106th and Påhlsson 172nd. Hendrickson was drafted in the 4th round by the Bruins last year.
So no big recruit like a Cooley joining the Gophers from what I can tell.

 

[taylord22]

He can't skate at an NHL level yet. He can't play D at an NHL level yet. He fell apart after 40 games, how is he playing 82?

Who was the failed prospect we signed a couple years ago who had an absolute cannon of a shot but was nothing more than AHL fodder? It takes a lot more than a shot to be a Top 6 NHL player.

Thomas is playing against the other team's best players and you want to throw Snuggerud out there with him? Let's tie one hand behind Thomas's back and make him play with a pee wee stick too if we want to hamstring him on D.

Which is why i said limited minutes. There's no way he was ever going to play top-6 minutes, but the 3rd line is a place to throw a specialist in limited minutes. That's the spot he would've been competing with Bolduc for going back to your original post.

Not saying your points about his skills are totally unreasonable, but there are ABSOLUTELY worse skaters already in the NHL than Snuggerud. And no NCAA "top-6" prospect waltzes into the NHL ready to play defense. That takes NHL reps.

 

[Majorityof1]

Which is why i said limited minutes. There's no way he was ever going to play top-6 minutes, but the 3rd line is a place to throw a specialist in limited minutes. That's the spot he would've been competing with Bolduc for going back to your original post.

Not saying your points about his skills are totally unreasonable, but there are ABSOLUTELY worse skaters already in the NHL than Snuggerud. And no NCAA "top-6" prospect waltzes into the NHL ready to play defense. That takes NHL reps.

Agreed. But Bolduc is getting those defensive reps now. He always had the inside track on a top 6/top 9 role next year. Snuggy staying in Minnesotta doesn't change that calculus. We'll just bring in someone to compete for that 3rd line role. Bolduc doesn't have a bad shot either btw

 

[PerryTurnbullfan]

IDK, maybe we should ask Oshie, Backes, Bishop, Cole or Perunovich. All of them went back for their Jr years, all of them signed with the Blues after that season.

Snuggerud also said he wants to model Faber’s path to the NHL. Guess how many years Faber played for U of M? 3!

It’s slightly disappointing news but having watched over half of the Gophers’ games this season, I’m not going to say this was a bad decision. He absolutely still has things to work on. And he can be more of a leader now too, likely getting a letter.

I’ll have to try to dig up who the incoming freshman class is projected to be - see if there will be any big names added to help boost the roster.
EDIT: here are the Gophers Recruits.
Ziemer is ranked 42nd by Central Scouting; Whipple 106th and Påhlsson 172nd. Hendrickson was drafted in the 4th round by the Bruins last year.
So no big recruit like a Cooley joining the Gophers from what I can tell.

I wouldn’t mind Pahlsson feeding him. He has put up a lot of points in Sweden in the past and the USHL this year. Centered Pekarcik.

 

[STL fan in MN]

I wouldn’t mind Pahlsson feeding him. He has put up a lot of points in Sweden in the past and the USHL this year. Centered Pekarcik.

Yeah, he’s talented.

TBH, I didn’t really like the combo of Moore and Snuggy. Both tend to get tunnel visioned and Snuggy could use much more of a distributior/playmaker. Perhaps Påhlsson can be that.

Also, Matthew Wood entered the transfer protocol today and rumor is he’s heading to the Gophers. That’d be a big get for them. He’s also a right shooting winger so likely won’t be on the same line as Snuggs but that’d really help the team.

 

[STL fan in MN]

Many of JR’s articles are quite empty but he just posted one on Snuggerud that’s actually chock full of quality details.
Jimmy Snuggerud exclusive: Why the Blues prospect turned down the NHL to stay at Minnesota

A few snippets:

The 19-year-old winger spoke with his family advisers from Octagon Athlete Representation. He spoke with Blues general manager Doug Armstrong, current captain Brayden Schenn and former players Keith Tkachuk and Alexander Steen, who both work for the organization. He spoke with Gophers coach Bob Motzko, and he spoke with Minnesota Wild defenseman and former teammate Brock Faber.

“A couple of nights ago, I kind of felt like I wanted to sign and then I woke up the next morning and didn’t know again,” Snuggerud said. “So I just kind of sat by myself and thought about it all night, just kind of laying there thinking. Then this morning, I just had a real realization and glimpse of what I thought that next year could hold. But this was the hardest decision I’ve ever made in my life by far. It isn’t close.”

“It’s a pretty big deal to me and my family,” Snuggerud said. “I feel like I can lead this team to that point. I know exactly what not to do because I did that this year. The last three months of my college season were very poor and very average and that bites at me every single morning that I wake up and when I go to bed. I know that I wasn’t playing my best hockey and I let a lot of people down. I think we had the team to do it, and we didn’t succeed.

“I think with another year at Minnesota, I can prove that I can play a full season here, and I can be here for my teammates when they need me most. It was an unfortunate loss, but I think it influenced my decision to a point where I knew what I wanted to do.”

Snuggerud said that the Blues laid it out “very well” and acknowledged that their plan was for him to play in the NHL this season.

“Yeah, the opportunity was there,” he said. “That’s why it was such a difficult decision, because 12-year-old me would say, ‘What are you doing, Jimmy? This is an opportunity of a lifetime.’ So the opportunity was there at the end of this year, and that’s why it was so difficult for me.”

There will also be a vacancy with the Gophers’ captaincy after Tuesday’s announcement that center Jaxon Nelson had signed with the Boston Bruins. Whether it’s wearing the “C” or an “A,” Snuggerud plans to be part of the leadership group.

“That will help me for my future,” he said. “It’s pretty far away, but that’s my goal, to wear a letter and be there for my teammates. It’s what I talked about with my coach.”

If Snuggerud had signed with the Blues, he likely would’ve been playing in Thursday’s game against the Nashville Predators. Now he’ll be watching it from back home in Minnesota.

“They’re the team that drafted me and I’m excited to see if they can make this playoff run,” he said. “I have so much respect for the staff there and everyone that has helped me through this. (Armstrong) especially, he’s such a great person, and he has my best interests in mind. I’m so happy to see the Blues succeed.”

The Blues will retain Snuggerud’s rights until August 2026. If still unsigned at that point, he will become an unrestricted free agent. But for anyone concerned about that sort of development unfolding over the next two years, Snuggerud said he has every intention of turning pro after his junior year.

“I don’t know what the future holds, but to be honest, that would be the plan,” Snuggerud said. “I think one more year is my goal in mind. Next year would be the year.”

 

[Bonin21]

Yes this is what I am proposing if Wood comes.
Pitlick-Moore-Wood
Kurth-Pahlson-Snuggerud

Pitlick Moore Snuggerud just didn't work.

 

[BlueDream]

Many of JR’s articles are quite empty but he just posted one on Snuggerud that’s actually chock full of quality details.
Jimmy Snuggerud exclusive: Why the Blues prospect turned down the NHL to stay at Minnesota

A few snippets:

Very good read.

As far as next season goes… well, if you’re a Blues fan whose primary goal is to see the Blues make the playoffs, this doesn’t change a ton. Sure it would have been nice to see Jimmy compete for a spot, but our primary needs remain a 2C and an upgrade on defense. It doesn’t matter too much if Snuggerud is on the roster or not until we address those issues.

 

[PerryTurnbullfan]

Mayich has really looked good in the playoffs playing alongside a smaller potential later pick Frankie Marrelli. They evened up the series last night and had played a tough sandpaper defensive D. I hope the Blues sign him and give him a shot. I see a potential 5-6 guy to shield a Krug/Perunovich defensively inept partner. Not afraid to mix it up or battle in front either. Decent first pass and good decisions to not get caught.

 

[Stealth JD]

Mayich has really looked good in the playoffs playing alongside a smaller potential later pick Frankie Marrelli. They evened up the series last night and had played a tough sandpaper defensive D. I hope the Blues sign him and give him a shot. I see a potential 5-6 guy to shield a Krug/Perunovich defensively inept partner. Not afraid to mix it up or battle in front either. Decent first pass and good decisions to not get caught.

How is his footwork? Heavy skates like Tucker, or decent-to-good for his size?

 

[Blueston]

How is his footwork? Heavy skates like Tucker, or decent-to-good for his size?

his feet look much better than tucker.

 

[jjniner]

Need to hit on a surprise college free agent or two!

 

[Majorityof1]

Need to hit on a surprise college free agent or two!

There's rarely 2 college UFA who hit at all. If they are good enough, they are drafted and force a trade first.

That aside, how could a mid-market, midling midwest team without a coach snag two sought after UFA? What do the Blues have vs any other team that would draw a UFA with a fixed contract.