The St. Louis Blues may have a fantastic forward on their top line for 2026-27, and it is not the dependable Robert Thomas. It is Jimmy Snuggerud, who is quickly rising to the occasion and making a statement that he belongs in this franchise’s future.
He wrapped up his rookie campaign with flying colors, and the idea of him being able to grow even more next season should excite fans. With a fan base and teammates fully vested in him, there is no telling how many accolades this kid will eclipse.
Impact in 2025-26
Last season was a masterpiece from No. 21. Snuggerud took his valuable experience from the 2024-25 stretch run and the first round of the playoffs and used it to his advantage last season. In 70 games, he scored 21 goals and added 30 assists for 51 points. Not too shabby, and a realistic sample of what could be coming next.
Those 21 lamp-lighters were via some absolute rockets. According to NHL EDGE, Snuggerud was in the 90th percentile for all forwards in average shot speed at 59.96. He also registered two shots in the 90+ MPH range, including the third-hardest shot of the season by a Blue, on January 7 against Chicago, registering a blistering 95.56 MPH.
Expectation for 2026-27
The expectation for Snuggerud in 2026-27 is a lofty one. He has to be better than last season and catapult himself into superstardom. The training wheels are off, and this team is going to need him to take the next step right now.
Alongside Robert Thomas and Dylan Holloway on that top line should not be too difficult for him, but the stigma of "sophomore slump" continues to echo in Blues fans' ears. A similar outcome to the season prior, or a step backward, would be an alarming revelation in Snuggerud's plans with this franchise.
With Jordan Kyrou off to Washington, it is on Snuggerud to step into that mantle of goal-scorer savant. He has to take the reins and really make a mark in 2026-27 by potting pucks in the opposing goalies net. There are a few prospects that also follow a similar playstyle to his in terms of being a fantastic shot, in Justin Carbonneau and Maddox Deganais, and they could learn from Snuggerud's successes.
Snuggerud can be a pivotal member of this franchise, now and in the future. He has established himself as a driving force and is developing that X-factor gene. The 2026-27 season should be a show-stopping performance from him, and everyone will enjoy that.
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