the miracle wrote: ↑31 Mar 2025 09:50 am
I'd hazard a guess that we'll see Snuggerud before we see Texier again. Texier has been fine in the spot duty he's gotten, but unless he's loved in the locker room by the coaches and players, Snuggerud essentially makes Texier obsolete.
Not disagreeing with you, but shouldn't Snuggs also need to meet those same qualifications? Chemistry is important, yes?
Good point - I was looking at it from a slightly different angle. They've talked on the broadcasts about playing the players that got them to this point - and I was thinking more along the lines of the veterans and established players may not get upset by a rookie getting playing time over a veteran like Texier since Texier hasn't been a huge contributor to the recent success. However, I could see the vets getting upset if Texier is well liked off the ice even if he hasn't contributed (as much) on it.
Maybe more to your point - on ice chemistry definitely important, and even as a fan I'd have zero problem if Monty came out and said "Snuggerud ain't going to play this year because he needs to build his on ice chemistry with the established players first."
It also depends on what the future plans are from Army and Monty. Texier would be playing, but Joseph started playing like a madman and hitting everyone and becoming a shiz disturber which obviously works at this time of the year when playing physical and fast mean everything. If we weren't producing goals from our defense and top 6 and Bolduc, I'd assume Joseph would be more expendable for a guy like Texier and now Snuggs. But Joseph did what was needed when Texier was about to get a bunch of playing time after Saad was dropped. Texier got sick, and Joseph ran with it and found a new year (Ottawa said that's how he played all the time).
But if future plans are to find a way to get more skill into the lineup, Texier might still find himself a home. I don't know where that goes cause it would have to come from the 4th line. But if they decide that SunnyD is going down to the 4th line to replace Faksa, they might blow the WTF line up completely. They might do something like Joseph/SunnyD/Torpedo Bolduc/Dvorsky/Neighbours and elevate Snuggs to the 1 line. That would have Texier and Walker as subs. The Blues future should be extremely exciting. But since we have all these 2 years guys signed, it will be interesting to see how they navigate it.
I like what you describe here as a go-forward plan. Walker and Texier as subs allows Texier to pull some spot duty in the top 6 and Walker some spot duty in the bottom 6. Faksa has been effective this year and has probably earned a new deal, but unless Walker goes to the AHL, it's hard to see where he'd get playing time.
the miracle wrote: ↑31 Mar 2025 09:50 am
I'd hazard a guess that we'll see Snuggerud before we see Texier again. Texier has been fine in the spot duty he's gotten, but unless he's loved in the locker room by the coaches and players, Snuggerud essentially makes Texier obsolete.
Not disagreeing with you, but shouldn't Snuggs also need to meet those same qualifications? Chemistry is important, yes?
Good point - I was looking at it from a slightly different angle. They've talked on the broadcasts about playing the players that got them to this point - and I was thinking more along the lines of the veterans and established players may not get upset by a rookie getting playing time over a veteran like Texier since Texier hasn't been a huge contributor to the recent success. However, I could see the vets getting upset if Texier is well liked off the ice even if he hasn't contributed (as much) on it.
Maybe more to your point - on ice chemistry definitely important, and even as a fan I'd have zero problem if Monty came out and said "Snuggerud ain't going to play this year because he needs to build his on ice chemistry with the established players first."
There's really no need to create drama here. The Blues have a team that was embarked on a playoff run when DD was called up. He played and contributed when called upon. Now Snuggerud is also in the mix.
Posters are conflating the longer term with the immediate. DD and Snuggs are here as extra players, albeit young skilled players. The immediate focus is to win the Detroit game. If Monty decides one or both is a better option than a vet he'll play them. If not, the vets will play. The goal here is for the team to make the playoffs. Everyone must serve that goal.
Once the Blues clinch they can selectively rest players and take a deeper look at DD and Snuggs. Get them some ice to potentially increase their effectiveness if they're still around for the playoffs and get a tap on the shoulder. Or just to give them a bit of NHL exposure.
What happens next season is an issue for the offseason. We can speculate, but this is not the time for the Blues to be focused on next season. Detroit. Focus on beating Detroit.
callitwhatyouwant wrote: ↑30 Mar 2025 21:57 pm
Figured I could make a separate thread similar to pick the score kind of thing for the remaining games. What do you guys think Snuggs chances of playing every game the remainder of the season, half the games, or just a taste and he's getting to ride with the boys?
I personally think they will insert him in either Tuesday or Thursday and then feel it out from there. I doubt he gets every game unless he lights the board up and then they will say you get to play until you don't score. Of course this is assuming all are healthy. If someone isn't he's obviously in.
What do you guys think?
Also, some people should be lighting up that eat crow thread. There are a handful of people here who said Snuggs would never sign as a Blue. People claimed sources, and that he didn't want to wear the note. Fun times ahead for STL.
All the games? 0%
Half the games? Still really low odds. I’d say 30%
My guess is he plays 1-2 games. The guys they have are doing well and deserve to play. I’d like to see a couple guys get a rest game or two down the stretch and Snuggy and/or Dvorsky get a game or two in but then send both of them to Springfield when they start the AHL playoffs.
Joseph is only playing 7 min a night right now. I like Snuggerud’s odds to play more than this.
For what it’s worth, JR just posted something about this morning’s practice and who is wearing what color jersey. Sounds like Snuggerud is probably playing tomorrow night, with Dvorsky, Texier, and Joseph as extras. Of course that can always change.
callitwhatyouwant wrote: ↑30 Mar 2025 21:57 pm
Figured I could make a separate thread similar to pick the score kind of thing for the remaining games. What do you guys think Snuggs chances of playing every game the remainder of the season, half the games, or just a taste and he's getting to ride with the boys?
I personally think they will insert him in either Tuesday or Thursday and then feel it out from there. I doubt he gets every game unless he lights the board up and then they will say you get to play until you don't score. Of course this is assuming all are healthy. If someone isn't he's obviously in.
What do you guys think?
Also, some people should be lighting up that eat crow thread. There are a handful of people here who said Snuggs would never sign as a Blue. People claimed sources, and that he didn't want to wear the note. Fun times ahead for STL.
All the games? 0%
Half the games? Still really low odds. I’d say 30%
My guess is he plays 1-2 games. The guys they have are doing well and deserve to play. I’d like to see a couple guys get a rest game or two down the stretch and Snuggy and/or Dvorsky get a game or two in but then send both of them to Springfield when they start the AHL playoffs.
Joseph is only playing 7 min a night right now. I like Snuggerud’s odds to play more than this.
Yes, Monty is shortening the bench late in close games and the 3rd line is the target. That's really a tribute to how well the 4th line has played together as a unit, the energy they bring and trust they've earned.
Playing DD or Snuggerud on the 3rd line really changes the dynamic of the line. Joseph and Sunny are grizzled vets who've been through these wars with successful playoff teams. They kill penalties, they bang and forecheck relentlessly. There is a trust factor there, but even so when push comes to shove they are role players and give up ice time to the top players on the team. Pretty clear to see that is not what DD and Snuggs are at this juncture, or even Texier.
Everything changes when there are injuries or when the Blues clinch. When there's a hole next man up has to be ready to fill it as best as he can, or in his own different way.
Yep they just confirmed it on 101ESPN. Hate seeing Joseph sit because his speed and puck handling has really increased our Corsi rating at least by the eye test. But would love to see the kid finally play beyond the fuzzy YT clips I've seen.
Although I just realized the game's not until tomorrow is it? lol
If those are what they actually go with tomorrow then great. Get Snuggy in there, have him do the pre-game rookie lap at home against a mid Detroit team. But unless he somehow absolutely knocks it out of the park, he should then probably sit for Joseph. Joseph has been very good lately.
Also, pretty sure Joseph is the one that brought Jobu into the locker room and they don’t want to be p!$$ing off Jobu…
If those are what they actually go with tomorrow then great. Get Snuggy in there, have him do the pre-game rookie lap at home against a mid Detroit team. But unless he somehow absolutely knocks it out of the park, he should then probably sit for Joseph. Joseph has been very good lately.
Also, pretty sure Joseph is the one that brought Jobu into the locker room and they don’t want to be p!$$ing off Jobu…
I like the idea of getting him in there at home. And with the schedule, it gives Monty a chance to rest a few guys. As we know, you need everybody if you're going to go deep.
If those are what they actually go with tomorrow then great. Get Snuggy in there, have him do the pre-game rookie lap at home against a mid Detroit team. But unless he somehow absolutely knocks it out of the park, he should then probably sit for Joseph. Joseph has been very good lately.
Also, pretty sure Joseph is the one that brought Jobu into the locker room and they don’t want to be p!$$ing off Jobu…
Agree. Personally, I think it's just to see if he's ready. They made the same statement about Dvorsky...if he shows he's ready in practice, he'll get some playing time when needed.
If those are what they actually go with tomorrow then great. Get Snuggy in there, have him do the pre-game rookie lap at home against a mid Detroit team. But unless he somehow absolutely knocks it out of the park, he should then probably sit for Joseph. Joseph has been very good lately.
Also, pretty sure Joseph is the one that brought Jobu into the locker room and they don’t want to be p!$$ing off Jobu…
Agree. Personally, I think it's just to see if he's ready. They made the same statement about Dvorsky...if he shows he's ready in practice, he'll get some playing time when needed.
Yep. You can control the matchups at home. We don’t have the playoffs locked up but we’re sitting in a good spot. And if they have any considerations whatsoever of having Dvorsky and Snuggy as options in the playoffs then they need to play at least a couple games first before completely throwing them to the Wolves.
If he is in fact in the lineup tomorrow then he already knows so he can get his family all into town for it. Glad to have him aboard.
blues2112 wrote: ↑31 Mar 2025 12:36 pm
Once upon a time, Blues had a Hobey Baker winner come out Colorado College, were he had scored 91 goals and 190 points in 126 games.
He lasted 49 NHL games, while scoring 7 goals.
What's more, Perunovich won Hobey Baker.
Snuggerud finished in top 10 in balloting for that same award.
While I absolutely hope he's lights-out great, I'm tempering expectations.
So completely different time and players with zero relevance or relation to each other? That we can agree on.
No one is anointing him the team's or league's next superstar. No one has him pegged for the Hall of Fame before he ever plays one game in the NHL. Folks are simply excited to see the one of the team's skilled players, a 1st round draft pick, join the club. Temper all you want, as I believe that's what just about every other fan is doing, including me. But it's also OK to be excited to see him officially on the team.
callitwhatyouwant wrote: ↑30 Mar 2025 21:57 pm
Figured I could make a separate thread similar to pick the score kind of thing for the remaining games. What do you guys think Snuggs chances of playing every game the remainder of the season, half the games, or just a taste and he's getting to ride with the boys?
I personally think they will insert him in either Tuesday or Thursday and then feel it out from there. I doubt he gets every game unless he lights the board up and then they will say you get to play until you don't score. Of course this is assuming all are healthy. If someone isn't he's obviously in.
What do you guys think?
Also, some people should be lighting up that eat crow thread. There are a handful of people here who said Snuggs would never sign as a Blue. People claimed sources, and that he didn't want to wear the note. Fun times ahead for STL.
All the games? 0%
Half the games? Still really low odds. I’d say 30%
My guess is he plays 1-2 games. The guys they have are doing well and deserve to play. I’d like to see a couple guys get a rest game or two down the stretch and Snuggy and/or Dvorsky get a game or two in but then send both of them to Springfield when they start the AHL playoffs.
Joseph is only playing 7 min a night right now. I like Snuggerud’s odds to play more than this.
Yes, Monty is shortening the bench late in close games and the 3rd line is the target. That's really a tribute to how well the 4th line has played together as a unit, the energy they bring and trust they've earned.
Playing DD or Snuggerud on the 3rd line really changes the dynamic of the line. Joseph and Sunny are grizzled vets who've been through these wars with successful playoff teams. They kill penalties, they bang and forecheck relentlessly. There is a trust factor there, but even so when push comes to shove they are role players and give up ice time to the top players on the team. Pretty clear to see that is not what DD and Snuggs are at this juncture, or even Texier.
Everything changes when there are injuries or when the Blues clinch. When there's a hole next man up has to be ready to fill it as best as he can, or in his own different way.
The 3rd line was also invisible offensively when Bolduc moved up to the 1st line when Buch was out. Based on practice lines, one of us is right...
skilles wrote: ↑30 Mar 2025 23:38 pm
For me if they play him it had to be part of the deal when he signed, otherwise I just don't see the logic in it at all.
I think the logic was simply to get him locked up.
Adds 'good faith' from the organization by putting some cash in the kids pocket.
I'm guessing he negotiated it and we didn't have much choice.
Of a similar mindset- don't actually like the situation. But, regardless of any understanding, the org has to have the latitude to move him down as they see fit. Give him a sniff, then send him down & let's first have a serious look at him w/ the big boys in the AHL. We're in 'it ain't broke' territory, we don't need any fixes at the moment.
