With just a few more days remaining before the start of the 2025-26 season, there are a few more things to tidy up. The St. Louis Blues have submitted their final, official roster for opening night, and one of those players is poised to have a breakout year.
Funny thing is that NHL.com writers have placed him as a nomination for the Calder Trophy in their first vote of the season. That Blues rookie is Jimmy Snuggerud.
The rookie race is about to begin! 👀
— NHL Media (@NHLMedia) October 7, 2025
Who's taking home the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year?
Read more on all the rookies ➡️ https://t.co/QcuZaxAnfG pic.twitter.com/Tq6GWPyiHk
Snuggerud for Calder?
It is important to note that Snuggerud did play in last season's final stretch of the regular season and the first round playoff series. You did not dream that, and he is still considered a "rookie" eligible for the award.
Snuggerud has some tough competition around him in terms of rising rookies, and this season holds a lot of unknowns for the Blues potential first-liner. He has already shown a strong chemistry with the team's best forward, and potentially most valuable player, Robert Thomas. The bond between those two will not only help the Calder Trophy vote sway in Snuggerud's favor but also aid the Blues in their effort to go back to the Playoffs.
Of course, to be considered for this award, Snuggerud has to pad his stats pretty highly. The emphasis on his elite potential in the goal-scoring department will be heavily relied on for his vote. If he can knock on the door of the Blues rookie goal record of 37, which was set by Jorgen Petterson in 1980-81, there is a great chance that he can win the award.
Award is important, but developement trumps it
Winning any kind of hardware, even if it is for individual efforts, is always a nice thing to strive for. But, for the Blues sake, Snuggerud has to focus on developing into a bona fide winger for Thomas on the first line and the power play.
With the trade of Zack Bolduc, the surplus for young up-and-coming forwards has dwelt a bit. Not to mention that Dalibor Dvrosky, who was one of the last cuts before the final roster was announced, is still a little ways away from his true potential.