Jimmy Snuggerud
At 21, Jimmy Snuggerud played his first full NHL season with the St. Louis Blues, appearing in 70 games and recording 21 goals, 30 assists, and 51 points. He made a significant impact on the team’s late-season success on the first line alongside Robert Thomas and Dylan Holloway. His ability to find open space, combined with chemistry with Thomas and a quick release, underscored his threat level. Next season, Snuggerud will need to work harder to find open space and score, now that he’s a known goal-scorer.
Dalibor Dvorsky
It was also Dalibor Dvorsky’s first full NHL season as a Blue. Dvorsky played 71 games and finished the season with 12 goals, 9 assists, and 21 points. For most of the season, Dvorsky centered the third line between Jonatan Berggren and Jake Neighbours, which didn’t provide much depth overall. Much like the year Jimmy Snuggerud had this year, I will be looking for Dvorsky to take on more ice time and contribute more in the offensive zone.
Jake Neighbours
Jake Neighbours finished his 69-game season with the Blues with 15 goals, 21 assists, and 36 points. Jake is the type of player who can bring energy to the arena, shift momentum, and spark change. Blues fans didn’t get that this year. At times, he seemed almost non-existent. Between February 4th and April 11th, over 22 games, Jake Neighbours went without scoring a goal yet put up 8 points. With captain Brayden Schenn off to the Islanders, fans weren’t necessarily expecting a skilled goal-scorer, but a leader to step up and be the team’s voice. Next season, I look forward to seeing how Jake takes on a leadership role.
Dylan Holloway
Dylan Holloway is one of the hardest-working Blues and among the most offensively skilled players. Despite playing just 59 games this season due to injuries, he scored 22 goals and 29 assists, totaling 51 points. He was also a primary offensive producer near the end of the season, as Robert Thomas and Jimmy Snuggerud carried the team on their backs. Dylan Holloway is an invaluable winger when he’s healthy, but that’s the concern. Holloway has struggled with injuries for most of his career, including two IR stints this season. I look forward to seeing what Holloway looks like in 84 games.