St. Louis Blues trade 6-foot-6 center Nick Bjugstad to New Jersey Devils
Photo credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
We have a first trade to announce today, and it involves a big 6-foot-6 centerman from the St. Louis Blues.
The New Jersey Devils decided to make a move to add depth down the middle.
The organization confirmed the acquisition of veteran Nick Bjugstad, who comes over from the St. Louis Blues.
In return, the Missouri-based team receives a draft pick as well as a player currently in the American Hockey League.
"TRADE ALERT! We’ve acquired Thomas Bordeleau and a conditional 4th-round pick from New Jersey in exchange for Nick Bjugstad"
- Blues
- Blues
It’s a logical decision based on the Devils’ immediate needs.
At 33 years old, Bjugstad is a good veteran and a solid NHL third-line center.
This also marks his eighth team since the 2018–2019 season, which shows he’s still in demand despite the years going by.
This season, his offensive contribution has been modest, with six goals and seven points in 35 games.
His role is clear: provide quality minutes on the supporting lines and stabilize the defensive game.
First trade of the day, and it’s Nick Bjugstad being moved by the St. Louis Blues
The situation in the standings may help explain the need for change in the locker room.
The Devils are having a difficult campaign and currently sit second-to-last in the Eastern Conference.
With a 28-26-2 record and 58 points in 56 games, expectations were clearly much higher at the start of the season.
Adding a big body like Bjugstad brings a strong presence down the middle (and in the locker room as well).
It remains to be seen whether this change of scenery will allow the big centerman to spark his production a bit before the end of the schedule.
For the Blues, it’s another step toward accumulating future assets by moving a veteran.
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