by Matt Smith, Staff Writer/Social Media Specialist, All Habs Hockey Magazine
Jimmy Schuldt, D, St. Cloud State University (NCAA)
May 11, 1995 | Minnetonka, Minnesota, USA
6-1, 205 lbs. | Shoots Left | @jimschuldt22
2017-’18: 9 GP, 5 G, 8 A, 13 PTS
If you’re thinking to yourself, St. Cloud State, haven’t I’ve heard of that university before? You more than likely have, as the Montreal Canadiens selected centre Ryan Poehling 25th overall at the 2017 NHL Draft from St. Cloud State. They also signed an undrafted goaltender by the name of Charlie Lindgren from the same place, a savy bit of talent assessment by the Canadiens scouting staff.
After scoring eight goals, adding 11 assists in 36 games in 2016-17, as captain of the St. Cloud State University Huskies, Jimmy Schuldt was invited to the Canadiens prospect development camp this past summer. This season, Schuldt already has 13 points, including five goals, in just nine games which is tops on the Huskies. Schuldt is already half way to his rookie season point total of 26, where he played alongside Lindgren.
This season marks the second season that Schuldt has played on the same roster as Poehling, who is currently third in team scoring with three goals and seven assists in nine games. In addition to his 13 points, Schuldt has a plus-10 ranking, which leads the team, and is second overall in the NCAA in that category. Schuldt has led his team in blocked shots for the past two seasons, and is presently leading his team in that category once again.
Putting up points is admirable for a young defender, but playing a complete game is important to Schuldt. In an interview with Mick Hatten of the St. Cloud Times, Schuldt said, “A number that would better define things for me would be plus/minus. If I have a good plus/minus, I’m doing something right. I want to keep that number high and keep blocking shots.”
“If I have a good plus/minus, I’m doing something right.”
In my opinion, the quote says a lot about the player Schuldt is and can be. He is someone who values his play on the ice, over points on the scoresheet.
The fact he has played alongside Lindgren and Poehling should play in Montreal’s favor, as Marc Bergevin should be able to use both of them to his advantage when negotiating a contract. If this were to happen, I believe that it would be unlikely that he returns to the Huskies for his senior year. Schuldt could possibly play in the AHL with the Laval Rocket next season, or even crack the Habs roster with a strong training camp.
NCAA grads have made a mark early in this NHL season:
- Clayton Keller (ARI): 11 goals, 6 assists (Boston University)
- Will Butcher (NJD): 0 goals, 13 assists (University Of Denver)
- Jack Eichel (BUF): 5 goals, 11 assists (Boston University)
- Zach Werenski (CBJ): 5 goals, 6 assists (University Of Michigan)
I don’t know about you, but I would gladly welcome any of those players to the Canadiens 2017-’18 roster.
The Montreal Canadiens didn’t hold back when it came to drafting defence in 2017, selecting Josh Brook (56th overall, Moose Jaw Warriors), Scott Walford (68th overall, Victoria Royals), Cale Fleury (87th overall, Regina Pats), and Jarret Tyszka (149th overall, Seattle Thunderbirds).
With the trade of Mikhail Sergachev, Noah Juulsen and Victor Mete are currently the top defensive prospects with the Habs.
Signing Jimmy Schuldt would add a left-shot defenceman with offensive upside, physicality, and leadership to the Canadiens depth chart, in my opinion, it’s a no brainer, and Marc Bergevin should be eager to offer him a contract, before another team does.
What are your thoughts Habs fans?