When the 2023-24 NCAA season ended, St. Louis Blues fans were hopeful that the team would come to a contract agreement with top prospect Jimmy Snuggerud. After the University of Minnesota's quarterfinal exit at the Frozen Four, the Blues' 2022 23rd overall pick chose to remain at the university for his junior season. In an article by Chris Pinkert, Snuggerud stated that he returned to the University of Minnesota because he did not like how the season ended and felt he had unfinished business to take care of. Snuggerud's decision seemed to be the right choice as he had one heck of a year.
A stellar season
The University of Minnesota and Snuggerud started the season on fire, winning nine out of their first 10 games. Following the team's loss to Omaha in the second game of the season, the University of Minnesota rebounded to win nine straight games. The Blues prospect was a catalyst in the team's winning streak, chipping in five goals and 14 points in those nine games. A big reason for Snuggerud's return to the University of Minnesota was in hopes of winning the Frozen Four, and it was just the start he needed to make that dream a reality.
Snuggerud's best month of the year came in January when he had an outstanding 11 goals and 17 points in just nine games. He capped off the month with his best performance of the season. In the game against the Wisconsin Badgers on January 31st, the Minnesota Golden Gophers were down 2-0 at the end of the first. Snuggerud led the way in the comeback, scoring two goals and adding two helpers, as the Gophers scored five unanswered to earn the win. Snuggerud was named Big Ten Conference First Star of the Week and won Hockey Commissioners Association Player of the Month for his stellar play in January.
Snuggerud finished the regular season as the runner-up for the Big Ten's scoring title, recording 32 points in 24 games while leading the conference with 19 goals. Snuggerud joined an elite group in school history as he became only the third Gopher to score 20 or more goals in three consecutive seasons to begin a collegiate career. Snuggerud was a finalist for the Big Ten Player of the Year but fell short as Michigan State's Isaac Howard took home that honour. While Snuggerud did not take home the Player of the Year trophy, he earned a spot on the All-Big Ten First Team. Snuggerud still has a couple of trophies in his sights as he was named a finalist for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, given to the top collegiate hockey player in the United States.
Looking Forward
The Gophers and Snuggerud regular season is over, but they still have something to play for. The team was not victorious in the Big Ten Conference Tournament, but they still have the 2025 NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Regionals to look forward to with the opportunity to earn a spot back in the Frozen Four, which will be held in St. Louis this season. Snuggerud said he returned to the Gophers this season because he felt he had unfinished business to settle. What could be better than finishing your college career off by winning the Frozen Four and taking home the Hobey Baker Award? While there's nothing left for Snuggerud to do in hopes of winning collegiate hockey's most prestigious individual honour, the road to making the Frozen Four begins at the end of the month, and Blues fans will be cheering for him to do so.