Tom Fitzgerald has pulled the trigger on a second New Jersey Devils trade in a week. New Jersey is acquiring forward Nick Bjugstad from the St. Louis Blues.
The Devils send a 2026 fourth round pick and forward Thomas Bordeleau to St. Louis in return. The fourth-round pick will be the latest pick between the currently owned fourth rounders (New Jersey, Dallas, and Winnipeg).
New Jersey signed Bordeleau last summer to a one-year, $775K contract.
Bjugstad, 33, is a 6-foot-6, 210 lb forward who plays both center and the wing.
In 35 games this season with St. Louis, Bjugstad’s registered six goals and seven points.
Bjugstad signed a two-year contract with the Blues that carries a $1.75 million average annual value. He’s signed through summer 2027.
The new Devils forward is a 14-year NHL veteran who has played for the Blues, Florida Panthers, Arizona Coyotes, Utah Mammoth, Minnesota Wild, Pittsburgh Penguins, and one brief stint with the Edmonton Oilers.
In 795 career NHL games, Bjugstad has accrued 163 goals and 174 assists for 337 points.
In 27 Stanley Cup Playoff games, Bjugstad’s scored six goals and eight points.
Despite Bjugstad’s large frame, he’s speedy on the rush and serves as a bottom-six offensive minded forward. He’s also an active forechecker and is willing to be physical.
The Devils trade sneaks in under the wire with the 2026 Winter Olympic roster freeze going into effect at 3 P.M. ET.
Bjugstad joins a Devils center core of Nico Hischier, Jack Hughes, Cody Glass, and Luke Glendening. Dawson Mercer and Paul Cotter serve as fill-ins.
After sending Ondrej Palat to the New York Islanders, acquiring Bjugstad in a Devils trade is their second move in the last seven days.
The Devils currently sit nine points outside of the playoff picture with 25 games remaining in the season.
