JIMMY SNUGGERUD

2025-08-20

Scout: Grant Campbell

Skating:

It can be a bit clunky at times. Average at best at this point, but it takes him 3 to 4 strides to get up to speed. This will be an issue at the NHL unless he improves.

Passing/Handling:

He has above average passing and puck handling. He stick handles well in traffic and he looks to either shoot or stick handle or shoot before passing in the offensive zone.

Shooting:

Snuggerud has a great shot. He is strong on his feet and strong on the puck and gets his shot off quickly. It is strong and accurate.

IQ (Vision, Anticipation, Panic/Poise):

He scans pretty frequently, so has a good sense where his teammates are before getting the puck. He has very good anticipation. His confidence seems high (bordering on cocky), so he's quite comfortable with the puck at all times and has a low panic threshold.

Forechecking:

He's strong on the puck and can outmuscle opponents along the boards or when the puck is in feet. His motor needs to be going at all times, for him to be an effective forechecker. He'll need to improve here a little.

Defense:

He's a little all over the map defensively in his own end and needs to move his feet a little more. His ability to win puck battles will help him in this department as he improves positionally.

Best Asset:

His shot by a mile. He's going to score 25-35 goals in the NHL with just it alone.

Biggest Concern:

Skating. He reminds me a little of Brock Boeser who has limits to his game. Snuggerud is a little better skater and a bit more physically engaged than Boeser, but the ceiling might be similar.

Top Tier/Role Potential:

Top six forward who plays PP1. I can see him with 30 goals or more and 60 points or more one day.

Justification for Top Tier Assessment:

His overall skills package (shot, passing, puck handling) are just too good to not get the opportunity in the NHL.

50th Percentile Tier/Role:

3rd line winger who puts up 15-25 goals and 35-45 points

Justification for 50th Percentile Tier Assessment:

If he can't get the separation needed to get his shot off on a consistent basis in the NHL he could have trouble reaching his potential.

Stylistic Comparable:

Brock Boeser. He's a slightly better passer, stronger on the puck and a touch better at puck handling than Boeser.

Scouts Final Thoughts and Additional Stats/Info:

Snuggerud is capable of 40 goals and a point per game one day, but he's going to have to clean up parts of his game and improve his skating to get to that peak. I think he's a 30-30 guy for sure.

Games Scouted:

NHL vs Winnipeg 24/25; UMass vs UMinn 24/25

---

2024-04-27

Scout: Patrick Ploch

Skating:

Snuggerud is a good skater. He isn't going to fly by defenders but can put on some speed when needed.

Passing/Handling:

This is a somewhat underutilized and underdeveloped part of his game. He is good at handling the puck and passing but is rarely driving play.

Shooting:

Snuggerud is a volume shooter with an excellent shot. He excels at getting in a good position to get quick and accurate shots.

IQ (Vision, Anticipation, Panic/Poise):

He is good at getting in position for a breakout pass or a scoring chance. In the offensive zone, he will often find his way to a place by a faceoff dot for a prime shot.

Forechecking:

Snuggerud is not often the first forward into the zone or down low

Defense:

Snuggerud is not often the first forward back or great at breaking up breakouts but there are occasional signs of defensive engagement.

Best Asset:

By far, his best asset is his shot.

Biggest Concern:

I think the biggest concern is his playmaking. However, there is evidence that he can pass well and develop this ability.

Top Tier/Role Potential:

1st line/PP1. Possibly a 40 goal scorer with 20-30 assists.

Justification for Top Tier Assessment:

His shot! Along with the potential to improve his playmaking and defense. I think the ability is there. It just hasn't been fully tapped into.

50th Percentile Tier/Role:

Possibly tops out a 30 goal scorer with 30 assists.

Justification for 50th Percentile Tier Assessment:

If he is limited to a 2nd line and 2nd PP role and can't improve his playmaking and his defense it will limit his ability to rack up points.

Stylistic Comparable:

With his goal scoring ability, he could possibly be a player like Tarasenko who shoots a lot and scores a lot of goals but is light on other peripherals.

Scouts Final Thoughts and Additional Stats/Info:

In the first two games I watched, Snuggerud's overall game didn't look that good to me. He has a great shot and is good at getting into position for good shots. In the third game, I saw more stickhandled, defense and signs that he can be a good playmaker. Snuggerud has recently said that part of the reason he is returning for his junior year is that he recognized that he wasn't good enough this year. I think this recognition bodes well for him.

Games Scouted:

2023-10-08 Univ. of Minnesota vs. Bemidji St Univ., 2023-11-04 Univ. of Minn.-Duluth vs. Univ. of Minn., 2024-02-09 Univ. of Minn. vs. Penn St. Univ., All Pts for U. of Minn. and WJ