Ready to contribute
Jimmy Snuggerud made his NHL debut late last season after finishing his junior year with the University of Minnesota, where he had 51 points (24 goals, 27 assists) in 40 games. The 21-year-old had four points (one goal, three assists) in seven regular-season games and four points (two goals, two assists) in seven Stanley Cup Playoff games. Snuggerud is expected to have a bigger role this season, and the right wing is likely to start on the top line with center Thomas and left wing Buchnevich.
Fantasy sleeper with EDGE stats
Cam Fowler, D: Acquired from the Anaheim Ducks on Dec. 14, Fowler tied the best points-per-game average of his NHL career last season (0.59) and became a hot fantasy commodity after joining St. Louis (36 points; eight on power play, in 51 games). Fowler, who then had 10 points (two goals, eight assists) in seven playoff games, has a chance to surpass his previous career high in points (48 with Ducks in 2022-23) and is attainable around the top 140 overall (39th among defensemen) based on fantasy average draft position. Per NHL EDGE stats, Fowler ranks highly among defensemen in power-play offensive zone time percentage (59.9; 85th percentile). — Pete Jensen
Projected lineup
Pavel Buchnevich — Robert Thomas — Jimmy Snuggerud
Dylan Holloway — Pius Suter — Jordan Kyrou
Jake Neighbours — Brayden Schenn — Nick Bjugstad
Alexey Toropchenko — Oskar Sundqvist — Nathan Walker
Cam Fowler — Colton Parayko
Philip Broberg — Justin Faulk
Tyler Tucker — Logan Mailloux
Jordan Binnington
Joel Hofer