Jimmy Snuggerud to return to Minnesota for junior season

2022 first round pick of the Blues was rumored to be on his way to St. Louis, potentially to make his NHL debut Thursday in Nashville; will hold that for at least one more year

ST. LOUIS -- Snuggy Watch is over. At least for now.

The anticipated decision of St. Louis Blues 2022 first-round pick Jimmy Snuggerud has been made on Tuesday, and the forward has decided ... to return to the University of Minnesota for his junior year.

There was some traction that Snuggerud, 19, would leave school after the Gophers were eliminated in the Sioux Falls Regional championship game against Boston University, potentially making his NHL debut Thursday against the Nashville Predators.

But in a bit of a surprising decision, not so surprising to others, Snuggerud decided on at least one more year at the school rather than turn pro.

"I am excited to announce I'm coming back to the University of Minnesota next season," Snuggerud said in a Golden Gophers release. "It was a tough ending to this season, and I feel like we have some unfinished business to accomplish. I am committed to this team and excited for the opportunity next year with the Gophers. I watched Brock Faber come back for his junior year and I feel like I can take the same path as Brock to the NHL, and help the Gophers win a national championship."

The Blues remained mum on the decision, but they were hopeful to sign the two-year star of Minnesota and not being too concerned with burning a year of an entry-level contract off this late in the season.

But they fully support the decision.

"After talking to Jimmy and his family the past couple days, the organization fully supports his decision to commit to another season at the University of Minnesota," Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said in a team release. "We look forward to watching his continued development towards becoming a solid contributor for the St. Louis Blues in the future by playing a lead role for the Golden Gophers against top college competition next year."

Snuggerud's freshman season produced 50 points (21 goals, 29 assists) in 40 games, and although he scored the same amount of goals this season (21), his point production dipped to 34 in 39 games this season. He did help Team USA to a gold medal at the U20 World Junior Championship in Sweden, producing eight points (five goals, three assists) and a plus-7 rating in six games.

So the Blues, barring a change of heart like Logan Cooley had before signing with the Arizona Coyotes after committing to another season, will have to wait at least one more year.