"[GM] Doug Armstrong tells me to play the best players," Montgomery said. "And whether they're 20 years old or they're 35 years old, that's who we play. Snuggerud and [Zack] Bolduc deserve to play because they're that good."
Zack Bolduc
Zack Bolduc was, without a doubt, an impact player this year, and I expect next year to be no different. Early in the season, Bolduc struggled to remain in the lineup and find consistent ice time, but midway through the season, he had a breakout and gave the Blues a scoring touch with a bit of grit. According to NHL.com, Bolduc recorded 19 goals, 17 assists, and 36 points during the regular season while averaging 12 minutes and 36 seconds of ice time. In March, The Athletic asked the team about Bolduc’s development, and these are just a few comments head coach Jim Montgomery had to say: “That second and third effort of staying on pucks on the forecheck is where you really see players become impactful.” “Yeah, he’s really developing into an all-around NHL player,” Montgomery said.
Jimmy Snuggerud
Jimmy Snuggerud made his first appearance on the St. Louis Blues Roster on April 1st against the Detroit Red Wings, exactly 7 games prior to the team's playoff appearance. According to NHL.com, Snuggerud would average 15 minutes and 28 seconds, he would score 1 goal, tally 3 assists, and 4 points. These seven games would help prepare him for his playoff success, in which he would score 2 goals, tally 2 assists, and record 4 points. Furthermore, his point totals and lethal shot are not the reason I believe the 21-year-old deserves a bigger role. When NHL.com reported that after Montgomery was asked what he thought about Snuggerud’s play thus far, he replied, "Very impressed with the young man," Montgomery said. "His hockey sense is off the charts. And I think, with really a good summer, putting on some lean muscle mass, he's just going to be better."
Tyler Tucker
Tucker plays with the grit and determination that the Blues organization needs. He’s not afraid to throw his gloves off and protect his teammates. This is what Tyler Tucker was first noticed for. While he continues to play with the same tenacity, he has become more responsible in the defensive zone. According to Yahoo Sports, head coach Jim Montgomery had this to say about Tucker’s play in the playoffs “I thought he was aggressive tonight, I thought that was his best game of the three games and I thought he was physical," I expect to see more ice time for Tyler Tucker next season along with scoring opportunities.