The St. Louis Blues had a nice surpise this season with their rookie sensation Jimmy Snuggerud. He was adequate, consistent, and could be regarded as one of the best players on this team in general in 2025-26.
Looking at the rest of the rookies, and the looming Calder Trophy ballot, there are a ton of players that could be considered as the three finalists. Obviously, the one player that will be on it, and very likely win it, is New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer. He has transcended a typical rookie, and will very likely be a multi-time Norris Trophy winner very soon.
For Snuggerud, his initial run-around the NHL might not land him on that ballot. But, here is the case as to why he should.
Get Snuggy on the Ballot
With 21 goals and 30 assists for 51 points, he finished tied for second on the Blues for most points this past season. He helped command a lethal first line of Dylan Holloway and Robert Thomas, and his emergence has painted a picture that he will be a persistent figure in this franchise's future plans.
Dare I say, Snuggerud might just be the next face of this franchise.
In comparison to the other rookies, Snuggerud's goal count ranked him fourth, and his assist tallies put him in the same spot. That might just be where he ends up with the finalists as Schaefer, Anaheim Ducks forward Bennette Sennecke and Montreal Canadiens forward Ivan Demidov.
Snuggerud cannot take a step back in 2026-27, and has to elevate his game even further. The prospects are going to be used a lot more next season, meaning that No. 21 has to transition to being an NHL-regular with high expectations.
The Calder Trophy vote is going to be an easy vote this season, but there is a case to be made for Snuggerud to be on it. The Blues were not a playoff team, but Snuggerud still did his part to try and give his team the best chance to win.
Add us as a preferred source on Google