Blues prospect Snuggerud returning to University of Minnesota in 2024-25
St. Louis Blues top prospect Jimmy Snuggerud will return to the University of Minnesota for the 2024-25 campaign, the winger announced Tuesday.
"It was a tough ending to this season, and I feel like we have some unfinished business to accomplish," he wrote in a statement posted to the program's X account. "I am committed to this team and excited for the opportunity next year with the Gophers."
The Blues selected Snuggerud 23rd overall at the 2022 NHL Draft. He just completed his sophomore season with the Golden Gophers, notching 21 goals and 34 points in 39 games.
The 19-year-old was named a finalist for the Big Ten Freshman of the Year award in 2022-23 after a strong rookie campaign in which he registered 50 points in 40 outings.
Minnesota's season ended with a 6-3 loss to Boston University in the NCAA Men's Hockey Championship tournament on Saturday.
There was speculation that St. Louis hoped it could get Snuggerud signed and into the Blues' lineup for Thursday's game against the Nashville Predators.
St. Louis general manager Doug Armstrong said the organization "fully supports" Snuggerud's decision to return to Minnesota.
"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," the executive said in a statement.
Last year, Logan Cooley committed to return to the University of Minnesota for his sophomore season in 2022-23, but he ended up changing his mind two months later, signing a three-year, entry-level deal with the Arizona Coyotes.
Snuggerud said his decision to stay was inspired by current Minnesota Wild rookie standout Brock Faber. The two were teammates on the Golden Gophers in 2022-23.
"I watched Brock Faber come back for his junior year, and I feel like I can take the same path as Brock to the NHL and help the Gophers win a national championship," he said.
Snuggerud has represented the United States at the past two World Junior Championships, helping the team win bronze in 2023 and gold at this year's tournament.
The Blues are in the playoff hunt with seven games remaining on their schedule. They're currently three points behind Los Angeles for the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference, though the Kings have one game in hand.
"They're the team that drafted me, and I'm excited to see if they can make this playoff run," Snuggerud told The Athletic's Jeremy Rutherford. "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."
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