Before the clock struck 3 P.M. on Wednesday, the New Jersey Devils and St. Louis Blues struck a deal. The Devils trade is the second one by general manager Tom Fitzgerald in a week’s span, previously shipping out Ondrej Palat and picks to the New York Islanders in exchange for Maxim Tsyplakov.
Certainly, there’s a theme happening here. Fitzgerald reeled in two large, speedy forwards to add to their depth.
Now, the NHL’s roster freeze is in place for the 2026 Winter Olympics until 11:59 P.M. Eastern on Feb. 22. The anticipation is the Devils aren’t done dealing.
Interesting times. Let’s get to some trade grades.
The Trade
Devils Acquire: Nick Bjugstad
Blues Acquire: Thomas Bordeleau & the lowest New Jersey-owned 2026 fourth-round pick (New Jersey, Dallas, and Winnipeg)
Devils Trade Grade: C
Here’s the thing about the Devils acquiring Bjugstad. It’s actually a good trade! That’s two for Fitzgerald in a weeks span!
Yet, it’s too little, too late.
The Devils should have added Bjugstad in December when the center depth was starved and Jack Hughes was out with a freak, off-ice hand injury.
Of course, Bjugstad isn’t a one-for-one replacement for Hughes. Not even close.
Yet, the Devils have needed reinforcements for a long, long time. Why wasn’t this deal made sooner?
The Devils sit second to last in the Eastern Conference, only above the lowly New York Rangers who have already waved the white flag. New Jersey’s chances at making the postseason sit at 5.6%. So, the timing of this trade is certainly awkward.
Yet, as previously mentioned, it’s a good add. Bjugstad isn’t a rental with another year on his contract, and he brings what the Devils need. Size, speed, ability on the rush, an active forechecker, and will lay the body on the opposition. He’s also a hulking 6-foot-6, 210-lbs.
Fitzgerald gave up only peanuts for Bjugstad. They’re not going to miss the prospect sent to St. Louis, nor will they think about the draft pick, and he’s certainly going to be better than Luke Glendening when the Devils’ center depth is fully healthy. Looking to next season, the center depth looks a bit stronger, too.
It’s just puzzling that this didn’t happen sooner. But, reaffirming his status as a buyer while playoffs are improbable is questionable. Fitzgerald’s now made two good trades in a row, it’s just his patience to a fault that’s bringing this grade down.
Blues Trade Grade: C
You can easily understand what the Blues are doing here. They’re last in the Central Division by a long shot and are not going to make the playoffs.
So, getting a fourth-round pick this year, plus a former second round selection with skill in Bordeleau is a fine flier to take to add while they weigh a rebuild.
Bordeleau has had some success at the NHL level, scoring six goals and 11 points in 27 games for the San Jose Sharks in 2023-24. He only played in one NHL game the following season and hasn’t been back since. But, Bordeleau is just 24 years old and could be decent depth while St. Louis figures out their direction. Although, he’s not exactly exuding confidence in the American Hockey League this season, scoring just two goals and eight points in 35 games with the Utica Comets this season.
Bordeleau’s draft profile reads that although he’s undersized, he’s supremely skilled. Yet, he’s not been able to prove the skill can outweigh his size.
As for the pick, the fourth rounder may be closer to a fifth when all is said and done. Adding as much draft capital as they can is what they should be doing.
Both teams did fine in this trade. It’s nothing groundbreaking.
