
According to Elliotte Friedman , Nick Bjugstad has been traded from the St. Louis Blues to the New Jersey Devils for a mid-round pick and a prospect. Bjugstad, 33, has another year left on his deal next season at a $1.75M cap hit.
Bjugstad returned from injury on fire, and his temporary hot streak may have impacted the desire to acquire him before Wednesday’s Olympic roster freeze. In 35 games this season, Bjugstad has six goals, seven points, and brings size, physicality, and playoff experience—traits contenders covet.
While he’s inconsistent, his affordable cap hit through next season only added to his appeal.
Though not an elite scorer, his style translates well to postseason hockey, making him an ideal depth add. Teams like San Jose, Toronto, and Edmonton were rumored to have considered him, but it was the Devils who made the early move.
Injuries are a slight concern, with an upper-body issue sidelining him for nearly a month and limiting him to far fewer games than the Blues would have liked. He was also a frequent healthy scratch before the injury, and his production has suffered as a result.
More to come…
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