The New Jersey Devils have acquired veteran forward Nick Bjugstad from the St. Louis Blues in a trade finalized on Wednesday, just prior to the NHL’s Olympic roster freeze. Details regarding the terms of the deal, including any potential draft picks or players involved, have not been publicly disclosed.
The move comes as teams around the league make final adjustments before the temporary pause in roster transactions due to the Olympic break. The timing of the trade suggests the Devils were seeking to bolster their forward group with additional experience as they prepare for the stretch run of the season.
Bjugstad, a 31-year-old center, brings a combination of size, versatility, and scoring touch that could prove useful for New Jersey. Known for his ability to contribute in a variety of roles, Bjugstad has played for several NHL teams over his career, including the Florida Panthers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Minnesota Wild, Arizona Coyotes, and most recently, the Blues.
During his time with St. Louis this season, Bjugstad provided depth scoring and played valuable minutes on both special teams. His ability to play center or wing gives the Devils additional lineup flexibility. It is expected that he will slot into a middle-six role and contribute on the penalty kill, areas where the Devils have been seeking consistency.
For New Jersey, adding a veteran presence like Bjugstad may also benefit the team in the locker room, particularly for a young core that includes stars like Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier. With the league’s schedule entering a critical phase post-Olympics, experienced forwards like Bjugstad can help manage the demands of a playoff push.
This trade marks another step in the Devils’ pursuit of building a competitive roster. The team’s front office has been active in seeking ways to strengthen depth and ensure that the club is well-equipped for the remainder of the regular season and a potential playoff run.
As for the Blues, moving Bjugstad may signal a strategy shift as they evaluate their roster ahead of the league’s trade deadline later in the season.
