The St. Louis Blues have entered the Alex Steen era, who took over the reins at general manager with Doug Armstrong transitioning into his president of hockey operations role. This offseason, the Blues made a variety of moves, such as trading two first-round picks this year for Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish, while signing Connor McMichael to a six-year, $40.5 million contract after acquiring him from the Washington Capitals in the Jordan Kyrou trade.
Entering this season, there are going to be expectations for some players to take that next step. One of them is winger Jimmy Snuggerud, their first-round pick from the 2022 NHL Draft. After a brief stint in the 2024-25 season, Snuggerud had his first full campaign in 2025-26, where he recorded 51 points (20 goals, 31 assists) and a plus-16 plus/minus rating in 70 games. Now, this season, Snuggerud is expected to have an increased workload in what is his final year on his rookie contract before he is due for a new one.
If this offseason has shown anything, it's that the younger players across the league are getting paid huge money. Look no further than San Jose Sharks star Macklin Celebrini getting paid $18.8 million over the next five years, Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson getting paid $18 million annually over the next five seasons, and Connor Bedard of the Chicago Blackhawks earning $15 million per season.
Given that the price tags are increasing, maybe it's in the best interests for the Blues to try and negotiate a new deal before he logs a full season.
Blues might be better off to sign Jimmy Snuggerud to contract extension before logging a full season
This is an idea that The Athletic's Jeremy Rutherford brings up in a recent article projecting Snuggerud's next contract. When bringing up his pace late this past season, Rutherford said that it would undoubtedly increase his price tag, as it would result in a 91-point 2026-27 campaign.
"After the Olympic break last season, Snuggerud had 11 goals and 27 points in 25 games. He was named the league’s rookie of the month in March. What if he repeats that production in an 84-game season and scores 34 goals and 91 points? Or what if he scores 40-plus goals? If he’s unsigned, the price obviously only goes up," writes Rutherford.
If that is the case, Snuggerud will get paid handsomely on his next contract. Carlsson got paid $18 million per year, thanks to an offer sheet from the Philadelphia Flyers, yet never put up 70 points in a season. Granted, that's playing at the center position, which carries ore responsibilities.
In terms of wingers, Kirill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild set the stage by earning $17 million per year on his contract signed before last season. Mitch Marner of the Vegas Golden Knights and Mikko Rantanen are each making $12 million per year. Look, Snuggerud is not in the same tier as any of those players, so that could help the Blues' case. But a strong season will increase his annual salary.
Jimmy Snuggerud is expected to take next step for Blues this upcoming season
Snuggerud showed serious promise this past season, especially after the Olympic break. So, with the changeover at forward, Snuggerud could very well slot in on the top line at right winger, with Robert Thomas at center and Dylan Holloway at left winger.
The third-year winger should thrive playing alongside Thomas, as he is strong at winning face-offs, as he's posted over a 52.5 percent chance in each of the past four seasons. That, and Thomas had a 24.5 shooting percentage this past season, which was the best in the league. So, that should help Snuggerud put up some points if he remains on the top line for the entirety of the upcoming season.
It will be up to the Blues to decide when they want to make an offer to Snuggerud. Obviously, the ball will then be in Snuggerud's court to decide whether he wants to accept the offer or ask for more money. This will make for an important season, a next summer, Snuggerud will be a restricted free agent.
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