Broberg versus Snuggerud, who has more pressure to be the next face of this franchise

The St. Louis Blues were unable to beat the Colorado Avalanche in back-to-back games, and their playoff hopes are fading. The recent 3-1 defeat was a deflating one, as secondary scoring has become a problem for this team. 

Looking ahead to this upcoming offseason and the seasons to come, it is becoming increasingly clear that the Blues' youth will take over. It is already happening, with two impactful players, one on offense and one on defense. 

Jimmy Snuggerud and Philip Broberg are going to lead the next era of Blues hockey, but who has more pressure to be the next face of this team? Who will be relied on more to contribute on a nightly basis, much like Robert Thomas has had to be over the last couple of years?

Let’s talk about it.

Snuggerud is the future of the offense

Snuggerud has taken the bigger leap of the two players in question, as this rookie campaign has featured a lot of positives. With 17 goals and 26 assists, his 43 points are the fourth-most on the team. 

His confidence is growing on the ice, thanks to the company he keeps. Dylan Holloway and Thomas have been aiding him on a fantastic first line, and will surely be a main feature for next season and years to come. 

The offensive unit has a lot of blossoming youth, with Dalibor Dvorsky, Justin Carbonneau, and Otto Stenberg joining Snuggerud. No. 21 is leading the way and making a statement for this offensive group.

Broberg will be the commander of the blue line 

Broberg has played so well; he has accomplished a lot this season. He has secured a new multi-year contract that will pay him very well over the next six years. Additionally, he is now this team’s number one defenseman following Colton Parayko's underwhelming year. 

The Blues' blue line has some great up-and-comers as well, with Theo Lindstein joining the spotlight lately, and the complete turnaround of Logan Mailloux. Both will have a chance to oppose Broberg in the future as the second half of the first pairing on defense. 

Who wins?

To put a winner on who faces more pressure for the future, there is really only one clear answer. It is 100%, without a doubt, Broberg. 

Here’s why.

Snuggerud has a lot of pressure on himself to become a top scorer on this team, but he has some serious help in Thomas. Not to mention, Dvorsky is good enough right now to be a bonafide 2C, giving Snuggerud a chance to have two solid centerman in each of the top two lines. 

For Broberg, he really has to pull his weight a lot more. The defense has been spotty all season, and No. 6 has been the only bright spot. He cannot have any missteps, and he is the top guy on the blue line, nobody else.