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Nick Bjugstad is congratulated after scoring a short handed goal against the Carolina Hurricanes (Joe Puetz-Imagn Images)

Meet the Newest New Jersey Devil: Nick Bjugstad

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers
By Donnah Campbell | Last updated Feb 5, 2026 9:45 AM ET

On Wednesday, the New Jersey Devils acquired forward Nick Bjugstad from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for forward Thomas Bordeleau and a conditional fourth-round 2026 NHL Draft selection. This marked the Devils’ first and only move ahead of the league’s Olympic roster freeze, which will be in effect from now until Feb. 22.

Let’s take a look at the 33-year-old veteran’s career so far, as well as where he can fit within the Devils’ roster.

Bjugstad’s Road to the NHL

Bjugstad was drafted 19th overall by the Florida Panthers in 2010, but he did not make his NHL debut until 2012-13. He would go on to spend the first seven seasons of his career with the Panthers. Within that time frame, he earned 87 goals and 104 assists, including a career-high 24 goals during the 2014-15 season.

In 2019, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins, quickly followed by stints with the Minnesota Wild, Arizona Coyotes, Edmonton Oilers, and the Utah Hockey Club (now the Utah Mammoth). Throughout his NHL career, he’s made four different playoff appearances with four different teams, tallying eight postseason points.

In July 2025, Bjugstad joined the Blues as a free agent, signing a two-year, $3.5 million deal. But he’s struggled so far this season, putting up just six goals and one assist. Playing an average of 11:38 per game, he’s been a physical bottom-six forward, but missed 15 games earlier this season due to an upper-body injury.

Since being activated from long-term injured reserve (LTIR), he’s scored two goals across 10 games, including a shorthanded goal in a shutout victory over the Carolina Hurricanes. Likewise, he’s recorded 1.3 shots on goal per game. Overall, his 2025-26 has been a mixed bag, but hopefully a change of scenery can help him end the season on a high note.

Where Bjugstad Can Make an Impact

Similar to Devils’ newcomer Maxim Tsyplakov, it appears that Bjugstad can have the biggest impact utilizing his size. Even though his impact isn’t always seen on the scoresheet, he still has the chance to reinforce the Devils’ bottom-six forward group. Across 35 games, he’s landed 73 hits and blocked 22 shots, making him a positive addition in terms of physicality.

Bjugstad will also provide stability as a depth center, which is something that the Devils have lacked all season long. He could potentially slot into a fourth-line center role and replace Luke Glendening, who has not recorded a point in his last 11 games.

His solid two-way play and defensive mindset can also be an asset for the Devils. He even has a 51.1 faceoff win percentage (FOW%) — his highest season total since 2021-22 with the Wild. Bjugstad is even a decent penalty killer, and his size gives him an advantage when it comes to winning puck battles and regaining possession.

All in all, Bjugstad has the potential to become a dependable depth scorer, with a high hockey IQ and a physical presence that can improve the Devils’ bottom-six. This move could turn out to be a beneficial, low-risk, high-reward scenario to improve their roster before the end of the season.

Devils Have One Last Game Before the Break

The Devils have just one matchup remaining before the Olympics begin — a Metropolitan showdown against the New York Islanders on Thursday night. There’s a chance Bjugstad could make his debut at Prudential Center, and fans are anxious to see the potential impact he’ll have in New Jersey.