The St. Louis Blues have just made a significant roster move, sending forward Nick Bjugstad packing to the New Jersey Devils! This trade, happening right before the Olympic trade freeze, has fans buzzing about what it means for both franchises. Let's dive into the details and see how this shake-up could impact the ice.
What's the Deal?
The Blues are receiving a conditional fourth-round pick and a promising young player, Thomas Bordeleau, from the Devils. This is according to reports from The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun.
Nick Bjugstad, who is 33 years old, signed a two-year, $3.5 million contract last summer, averaging $1.75 million annually. In his 35 games this season, he managed six goals and a total of seven points. He still has one more year left on his current deal.
On the other side, Thomas Bordeleau, a 24-year-old center, was a second-round pick back in 2020. He's played 44 NHL games, all with the San Jose Sharks, scoring six goals and accumulating 18 points. This season, he's been playing for the AHL's Utica Comets, where in 35 games, he's put up two goals and eight points. He's expected to join AHL Springfield.
The Blues' Perspective: A Strategic Shift
When the Blues brought Bjugstad in during the summer, it seemed like a smart move. They were looking to bolster their center depth, and they also added Pius Suter to the mix. However, as the season has unfolded, and with emerging talents like Otto Stenberg showing real potential, Bjugstad's role as a bottom-six forward has become less crucial. This trade effectively clears his contract from the books, a move that makes sense given their evolving roster needs.
But here's where it gets interesting for the Blues' future: Stenberg was recently sent to AHL Springfield. Why? To ensure he's eligible to play with the Thunderbirds during the NHL's three-week Olympic pause. This strategic move is designed to make space for the 2023 first-round draft pick when the team returns to action against the Seattle Kraken on February 26th. It's all about building for the long term!
The Devils' Outlook: A Calculated Gamble?
New Jersey's General Manager, Tom Fitzgerald, had publicly stated his desire to acquire a forward, and Bjugstad fits the bill as a bottom-six center option. While the Devils' playoff hopes might be slim at this moment, Bjugstad's contract, which extends for another year, could prove valuable in building towards a more successful 2026-27 season.
And this is the part most people miss: The acquisition cost for the Devils was remarkably low. New Jersey actually possesses three fourth-round picks in 2026, and they've sent the least valuable of those to St. Louis. It's a low-risk, potentially moderate-reward move for the Devils.
Thinking Ahead: What's Your Take?
This trade raises some intriguing questions. For the Blues, is clearing Bjugstad's contract and making way for prospects like Stenberg the right move for their immediate playoff push, or is it a clear signal of a rebuilding phase? And for the Devils, is acquiring Bjugstad a smart depth move, or are they perhaps overlooking other areas of need?
What do you think about this trade? Do you agree with the Blues' decision to move on from Bjugstad, or do you believe the Devils got a steal? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
