Chaska natives Jimmy Snuggerud and Sam Rinzel were selected just one pick apart in the first round on Thursday night and highlighted a talented group of Minnesotans selected in the 2022 NHL draft. The former teammates at Chaska High School were two of five future Minnesota Gophers selected in the draft.
Two other Minnesota products were also selected in the draft. Isaac Howard, who is from Hudson Wisconsin (played on the MN Brick team, Minnesota Blades, and in the Minnesota Bantam Elite League) was drafted in the first round by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Daimon Gardner, from Eagle Lake, Ontario, (played at Warroad High School) was drafted by Vancouver in the fourth round.
The selection of Sam Rinzel by the Chicago Blackhawks marks the third straight draft they have selected a Minnesota born player. Connor Kelley in 2021 (Maple Grove) and Wyatt Kaiser (Andover) in 2020.
| 1 (23) – STL RW Jimmy Snuggerud (NTDP U-18 / Gophers) |
| 1 (25) CHI D Sam Rinzel (Chaska HS / Gophers) |
| 2 (37) WAS D Ryan Chesley (NTDP U-18 / Gophers) |
| 4 (124) CAR RW Cruz Lucius (NTDP U-18 / Wisconsin) |
| 5 (133) PHI LW Alex Bump (Prior Lake / Vermont) |
| 5 (150) PIT C Zam Plante (Hermantown /UMD) |
| 6 (164) SEA C Barrett Hall (Gentry Academy / St Cloud St) |
| 6 (169) LAK RW Jared Wright (Omaha/ Colgate |
| 6 (192) TBL RW Connor Kurth (Dubuque/ Gophers) |
| Other Minnesota Products |
| 1 (31) TBL LW Isaac Howard (NTDP U-18 / UMD) |
| 4 (112) VAN C Daimon Gardner (Warroad / Clarkson) |