Snuggerud So Far

[TBone]

He looks like he's gaining confidence with every shift. At this moment, confidence is the #1 most important variable in his game.

He has specifically put himself through a draft+3 development year in the location he wanted to be doing that. His game was not like this a year ago. So although he would have signed and joined the Blues down the stretch, he wouldn't have looked this good then, and very possibly he would have been in the AHL developing during a D+3 year instead of in Minnesota. He spoke to working on his speed and board battles and leadership this past year, refining those aspects that are popping right now in just three NHL appearances.

His shot hasn't gone in yet but you can see it is even going to be higher end than Bolduc's, which is saying something. It's imminent.

I wonder if they're wasting him as the bumper on PP1 when he could be in the one-timer spot on PP2.

[dhsux]

His quick decision making - passes, positioning - are really what I've noticed. He doesn't appear to have any issues knowing his role and what he needs to do. A mature approach. Not phased a bit. It's fun watching the other players react to his good play.

The shot - it has done it's thing and almost found its way. Haven't seen a real laser yet. Don't think we'll have to wait long for that.

Last night Monty mentioned a few of your points ...he praised his hockey sense and his drive to play the game.

[TBone]

Blues drafted Neighbours in 2020, Bolduc in 2021, and Snuggerud in 2022. It sure looks like they're going to hit on all three..

I love how Jake played with his pants on fire on the shift he scored on. He was a one man wrecking crew.

[Army's Mom]

He looks like he's gaining confidence with every shift. At this moment, confidence is the #1 most important variable in his game.

He has specifically put himself through a draft+3 development year in the location he wanted to be doing that. His game was not like this a year ago. So although he would have signed and joined the Blues down the stretch, he wouldn't have looked this good then, and very possibly he would have been in the AHL developing during a D+3 year instead of in Minnesota. He spoke to working on his speed and board battles and leadership this past year, refining those aspects that are popping right now in just three NHL appearances.

His shot hasn't gone in yet but you can see it is even going to be higher end than Bolduc's, which is saying something. It's imminent.

I wonder if they're wasting him as the bumper on PP1 when he could be in the one-timer spot on PP2.

I dont think he's wasted. The Blues look for a lot of onetimers from the bumper spot, and playing there forces him to work to get open more than standing on a dot would. Plus it puts less pressure on him. My guess is it's only a matter of time before we see him on the left dot though.

[DawgDad]

He looks like he's gaining confidence with every shift. At this moment, confidence is the #1 most important variable in his game.

He has specifically put himself through a draft+3 development year in the location he wanted to be doing that. His game was not like this a year ago. So although he would have signed and joined the Blues down the stretch, he wouldn't have looked this good then, and very possibly he would have been in the AHL developing during a D+3 year instead of in Minnesota. He spoke to working on his speed and board battles and leadership this past year, refining those aspects that are popping right now in just three NHL appearances.

His shot hasn't gone in yet but you can see it is even going to be higher end than Bolduc's, which is saying something. It's imminent.

OK. You can ride busses to play minor league hockey with minor leaguers in minor league towns or you can be the BMOC at a major college with a Championship contending team AND chase coeds in your free time.

[MikoTython]

My comments were based on I didn’t think his speed was this developed and I definitely didn’t think he could just step into this intense of games being played and not be a liability. Stick lifting MacKinnon to set up Buch’s goal is a high end play. Same with the assist on Jake’s goal the game before. Doesn’t mean he’s going to keep this up right now but it does mean he has that skill.

Sure. His poise and productivity have to have exceeded expectations for a guy coming into the NHL cold straight from college. I thought (wrong again) it was pushing him too fast - but then we found out he was either in the roster or in the press box for the rest of the year. He belongs here. Can't wait for one of his darts to find the hole. Add another pleasant surprise onto the pile of pleasant surprises with this team !

THG has our division power ranked 1,2,3,5 - guess who's 5 ?

Disclaimer: The video above is hosted on Youtube, and has not be reviewed by the staff of the Post-Dispatch.

[theograce]

That pass to Buch was impressive

[Emma bleeds blue]

It's kind of a funny observation to me how much hype surrounds him - it seems like he's being treated like a top 5 pick, but he was #23. Bolduc was #17 and I don't recall the same kind of hype around him. But also just a random thought - Blues drafted Neighbours in 2020, Bolduc in 2021, and Snuggerud in 2022. It sure looks like they're going to hit on all three.

To your question though - his shot looks really dangerous. The shot he had on Talbot sounded like it might go through Talbot's chest and into the goal. I think Monty has been using him wisely too. I think he's looked good. As bud white mentioned, it looks like other teams may be respecting his shot quite a bit, I think that's how Buch got so wide open on his goal in the Avalanche game.

Not sure about too much hype but I think his decision to stay at Minnesota (where he was a star) another year brought on a lot of focus and attention to him, certainly so here on this board.

I won't call him seasoned but he seems to be fitting right into things so kudos to him and the Blues.

Well, I think there's more hype than there was around Bolduc & Neighbours. Just the fan reaction to his first game, the player reactions when he got his first assist, the camera time he's gotten during the broadcasts - I just don't recall the same for Bolduc & Neighbours. Maybe my memory is just hazy though.

[TBone]

I dont think he's wasted. The Blues look for a lot of onetimers from the bumper spot, and playing there forces him to work to get open more than standing on a dot would. Plus it puts less pressure on him. My guess is it's only a matter of time before we see him on the left dot though.

Yeah, wasted was a poor word choice. Surprised would be better since I thought the one-timer was his calling card.

The real revelation has been Zach Bolduc. His one-timer is good, but his snap shot is incredible. I'm not sure the last time the Blues have had a collection of young snipers and goal scorers like this. Maybe one of our senior Bluesers could fill us in.

[George Zipp]

He looks like he's gaining confidence with every shift. At this moment, confidence is the #1 most important variable in his game.

He has specifically put himself through a draft+3 development year in the location he wanted to be doing that. His game was not like this a year ago. So although he would have signed and joined the Blues down the stretch, he wouldn't have looked this good then, and very possibly he would have been in the AHL developing during a D+3 year instead of in Minnesota. He spoke to working on his speed and board battles and leadership this past year, refining those aspects that are popping right now in just three NHL appearances.

His shot hasn't gone in yet but you can see it is even going to be higher end than Bolduc's, which is saying something. It's imminent.

OK. You can ride busses to play minor league hockey with minor leaguers in minor league towns or you can be the BMOC at a major college with a Championship contending team AND chase coeds in your free time.

He also probably got a few NIL dollars. Don’t have any idea how that works in hockey. Maybe STL fan or Seattle know more.

[dhsux]

It's kind of a funny observation to me how much hype surrounds him - it seems like he's being treated like a top 5 pick, but he was #23. Bolduc was #17 and I don't recall the same kind of hype around him. But also just a random thought - Blues drafted Neighbours in 2020, Bolduc in 2021, and Snuggerud in 2022. It sure looks like they're going to hit on all three.

To your question though - his shot looks really dangerous. The shot he had on Talbot sounded like it might go through Talbot's chest and into the goal. I think Monty has been using him wisely too. I think he's looked good. As bud white mentioned, it looks like other teams may be respecting his shot quite a bit, I think that's how Buch got so wide open on his goal in the Avalanche game.

Not sure about too much hype but I think his decision to stay at Minnesota (where he was a star) another year brought on a lot of focus and attention to him, certainly so here on this board.

I won't call him seasoned but he seems to be fitting right into things so kudos to him and the Blues.

Well, I think there's more hype than there was around Bolduc & Neighbours. Just the fan reaction to his first game, the player reactions when he got his first assist, the camera time he's gotten during the broadcasts - I just don't recall the same for Bolduc & Neighbours. Maybe my memory is just hazy though.

That's true.

Coming up as Bolduc did and Jake through the more traditional channels got pretty much the same exposure.

I do think Snugger had a different type of exposure and launch as he delayed his debut through college.

No biggie....your point taken.

[seattleblue]

I don't know his personal finances or how much money AHL vs NIL money was this year.

He understood about his own game that he wasn't NHL ripe at the end of next year. His D+1 was excellent but his D+2 opened some questions about him driving a line himself. The Blues were urging him to come out, told him in their judgment signing last year was best. He had to go against that aggregate judgment which is not as easy as it sounds, you had better be right. I think one aspect of leadership is charting a path for yourself and being willing to have the courage of your own judgment.

[Cujo's Mask]

Snuggy got to play with Thomas yesterday, but they played against the MacKinnon line the whole game. I thought he would get overrun facing that line, but he held his own. I was particularly impressed by him breaking up plays with his stick in the neutral zone (batting pucks out if the air) to kill a Colorado play. Have to give him kudos on his overall hockey sense so far and hanging with the big boys.

[kimzey59]

Calder watch next year?

[Aesa]

Calder watch next year?

Not eligible. He's a pro now. But somehow I think you knew that.

[kimzey59]

Calder watch next year?

Not eligible. He's a pro now. But somehow I think you knew that.

I'm talking about the Calder Trophy. NHL rookie of the year award.
He's absolutely eligible for it.