A Bold Move Before the Olympic Freeze: The Blues Ship Out Nick Bjugstad, But What's the Real Story?
It's a shake-up in the hockey world! The St. Louis Blues have just made a significant player transaction, sending forward Nick Bjugstad packing to the New Jersey Devils, and this happened right before the NHL's Olympic trade freeze kicked in. This isn't just a minor roster adjustment; it's a strategic move that could have ripple effects for both franchises. Let's dive into what this trade truly signifies.
What the Blues Gain (and Potentially Lose):
The Blues are set to receive a conditional fourth-round pick and a promising young prospect, Thomas Bordeleau, from the Devils. For Bjugstad, who was inked to a two-year, $3.5 million contract last summer (averaging $1.75 million annually), this move frees up salary cap space and a roster spot. He played in 35 games for the Blues this season, tallying six goals and seven points.
Now, let's talk about Bordeleau. This 24-year-old center was a second-round selection in 2020. While his NHL stats might seem modest so far – six goals and 18 points in 44 games, primarily with the San Jose Sharks – he's been playing in the AHL for the Utica Comets this season, where he's notched two goals and eight points in 35 games. He'll be reporting to AHL Springfield, so he's definitely one to watch.
Why Did the Blues Make This Trade?
Back in the summer, bringing in Bjugstad, along with Pius Suter, seemed like a smart move for the Blues to bolster their center depth. However, as the season has unfolded, and with emerging talents like Otto Stenberg showing real promise, Bjugstad's role as a bottom-six forward has become less critical. This trade effectively clears his remaining contract year off the books. Interestingly, Stenberg was recently sent to AHL Springfield to get playing time during the NHL's three-week Olympic pause, and this move with Bjugstad will pave the way for Stenberg's return to the NHL lineup when the team faces the Seattle Kraken on February 26th.
And what about the Devils' perspective?
New Jersey's General Manager, Tom Fitzgerald, had publicly expressed a desire to acquire another forward, and Bjugstad fits that bill as a bottom-six center option. While the Devils' playoff hopes might be slim at this moment, Bjugstad's contract extends for another year, meaning he could be a valuable contributor to what the team hopes will be a more successful 2026-27 season. The price? It was remarkably low. The Devils currently hold three fourth-round picks in 2026, and the Blues will receive the one with the lowest selection value. A pretty shrewd acquisition, wouldn't you say?
Here's where it gets interesting: With Bjugstad moving to a Devils team that isn't currently a playoff contender, is this a move to solidify their future, or is it simply a way for the Devils to take a flyer on a player with a year left on his deal? And for the Blues, was this a necessary step to make room for their rising stars, or a missed opportunity to get more for a player they invested in?
What are your thoughts on this trade? Do you think the Devils made a smart move, or are the Blues the real winners here? Let me know in the comments below!
