The lone bright spot: does Jimmy Snuggerud still have enough traction for a shot at the Calder?

In a season of disappointments and failures, St. Louis Blues rookie Jimmy Snuggerud has been anything but. Snuggerud has looked the part as an impact forward immediately on the ice and has stepped up to every challenge asked of him by Monty and the coaching staff.

Snuggerud has played up and down the lineup as someone the coaches look towards to "electrify his linemates," showing an impressive dedication to playing Blues hockey the right way.

Snuggerud is 10th on the team of all skaters in time on ice so far this season. He's being deployed as one of the most useful assets on the team, and is playing like it too. Jimmy is tied for second in points on the team, only one behind team leader Jordan Kyrou with 8.

How much recognition has Snuggerud's play earned him leaguewide? Let's analyze how he fares against the rest of his rookie class.

The Calder race so far

Jimmy Snuggerud's 7 points puts him tied for third overall among all rookies, just behind second place at 8 points and first place with 10.

This puts him right in line to have a shot at the award, as he is only one good night away from leading the pack. Of all skaters, it is likely going to take leading in at least one individual category to outright win the Calder, whether that be points or goals.

He's not far off in points, but he's even closer with goals. Matthew Schaefer leads the pack of goal scorers with 5, but Snuggerud is tied for second right behind him with 4.

I believe this will be Snuggerud's path to success, as he has such a wicked shot and ability to score. He is a talented playmaker that should net him a solid amount of points, but for him to really stand out amongst all NHL rookies in what is looking to be a very talented rookie class, goalscoring is probably his best path to recognition and reward.

Additional playing time

Snuggerud has earned the trust of his coaching staff and team already. He's earned tough minutes and roles with high expectations already in his short time serving as a skater.

He's played up and down the lineup, serving as an electrifying force to whichever line he finds himself on. Snuggerud is the type of player who elevates the skaters around him with his playmaking and can bring out the best in his linemates, so there should be no surprise that he's earned time on the top line:

Beyond that, he also finds himself on the top power play unit. The Blues have struggled to open the season with a man advantage, and Monty quickly identified Snuggerud as a means to clear out of the struggle.

Snuggerud, at just 21 years old, has already established himself as one of the most trusted skaters on the ice and is living up to every bit of his draft and prospect pedigree. The future remains bright Blue for Jimmy, and he has as good a shot as any to win the Calder this year with this level of deployment.