ST. LOUIS — Jimmy Snuggerud, the St. Louis Blues’ first-round pick in the 2022 NHL draft, will not be turning pro for the 2024-25 season.
In a social media post from the University of Minnesota hockey program’s account on Tuesday, the Golden Gophers announced that Snuggerud, 19, will return to school for his junior season.
The Blues confirmed the decision.
“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,” Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said. “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.”
𝙎𝙉𝙐𝙂𝙂𝙔 𝙄𝙎 𝘽𝘼𝘾𝙆‼️
2x All-B1G forward Jimmy Snuggerud will return for his junior season at Minnesota!#PrideOnIce pic.twitter.com/qHeVN7Nk0y
— Minnesota Men’s Hockey (@GopherHockey) April 2, 2024
As a sophomore at Minnesota this season, Snuggerud scored 21 goals in 39 games and had 34 points. He was recently named to the All-Big Ten Conference First Team.
Last week, the Golden Gophers were eliminated by Boston University in a regional final of the NCAA Tournament.
“I am excited to announce I’m coming back to the University of Minnesota next season,” Snuggerud said in a statement. “It was a tough ending to this season, and I feel like we have some unfinished business to accomplish. I am committed to this team and excited for the opportunity next year with the Gophers. 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.”
In January, Snuggerud was a member of the U.S. team that won gold at the World Junior Championship. He had five goals, including a hat trick, and eight points in six games at the tournament.
The Blues will retain Snuggerud’s rights until August 2026, and if still unsigned at that point, he will become an unrestricted free agent.
(Photo: Tyler Schank / NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
