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Nick Bjugstad
Nick Bjugstad
Nick Bjugstad
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Nicholas Jay Bjugstad (/ˈbjuːɡstæd/ BEWG-stad; born July 17, 1992) is an American professional ice hockey player who is a forward for the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected by the Florida Panthers in the first round (19th overall) of the 2010 NHL entry draft.

Key Information

Playing career

[edit]

Amateur

[edit]

During the summer of 2008, Bjugstad turned down an invitation to train with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program out of a sense of loyalty to his high school teammates.[1] Bjugstad finished his high school career with Blaine High School in 2010 after helping to bring the school to three consecutive Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournaments. He was named Mr. Hockey in 2009–10.[2] While in high school, Bjugstad accelerated his schooling by taking summer classes and online courses, enabling him to graduate a year earlier than expected.[1]

Bjugstad began his collegiate career at the University of Minnesota in 2010 playing for the Golden Gophers, where he totaled 54 goals and 44 assists during his three years while the team won two WCHA championships.

Professional

[edit]

Florida Panthers

[edit]

Bjugstad left the Gophers after his junior season, signing a three-year entry-level deal with the Florida Panthers on April 3, 2013.[3] He immediately joined the last-placed Panthers to end the 2012–13 season, and scored his first NHL goal against Anders Lindbäck in Florida's season finale victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on April 27, 2013.[4] Bjugstad led the Panthers in points with 38, and third in goals with 16, during 2013–14, his first full-length season in the NHL, where he spent the majority of the season on the team's first line. On December 31, 2014, Bjugstad signed a six-year contract extension with the Panthers worth $24.6 million.[5]

Bjugstad's 2016–17 season was riddled with injuries including a broken hand,[6] and a lower body injury[7] that contributed to him setting a new career low in points since his rookie year.

Bjugstad rebounded from his disappointing previous season by setting career highs in points, assists, and games played during his 2017–18 campaign.[8] Bjugstad recorded his first career hat trick in the NHL on March 6, 2018 against the Tampa Bay Lightning.[9]

Pittsburgh Penguins

[edit]
Bjugstad during his tenure with the Penguins.

On February 1, 2019, Bjugstad and teammate Jared McCann were traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Derick Brassard, Riley Sheahan, a 2nd round pick, and two 4th round picks in the 2019 NHL entry draft.[10] Upon joining the team, Bjugstad immediately settled into the third-line center role.[11] He remained in this role as the Penguins qualified for the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs.[12] In Game 1, Bjugstad led the team with eight hits although they fell 4–3 in overtime to the New York Islanders.[13] Bjugstad had limited impact for the Penguins in the playoffs as he tallied no points and two penalty minutes over four games.[14]

Bjugstad returned to the Penguins for the 2019–20 season but was limited to only 13 games. After suffering a core-muscle injury in October, he was expected to miss at least eight weeks to recover from surgery.[15] He was out of the lineup from the end of November to early March before returning on March 5.[16] In his return, Bjugstad recorded an assist on Hornqvist's first goal of the game to lift the Penguins 4–2 over the Buffalo Sabres.[17] He played in three games for the Penguins before suffering an unrelated lower-body injury on March 8. When the NHL returned for the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs, Bjugstad was ruled out for the remainder of the season.[18]

Minnesota Wild

[edit]

On September 11, 2020, Bjugstad was traded to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for a conditional pick in the 2021 NHL entry draft.[19] In the pandemic-delayed 2020–21 season, Bjugstad recorded six goals and 17 points in 44 games.

As a pending unrestricted free agent, Bjugstad opted to remain with the Wild in signing a one-year, $900,000 contract extension on July 5, 2021.[20]

Arizona Coyotes

[edit]

On July 13, 2022, Bjugstad signed a one-year, $900,000 contract with the Arizona Coyotes.[21]

Edmonton Oilers

[edit]
Bjugstad with the Utah Hockey Club in 2025.

On March 2, 2023, the Coyotes traded Bjugstad along with Cam Dineen to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for a third-round pick in 2023, and prospect Michael Kesselring with Arizona retaining half of Bjugstad's salary.[22][23] Bjugstad made an immediate impact to the Oilers bottom six forward group, contributing with 4 goals and 6 points through 19 regular season games. He collected a career best three postseason goals through 12 playoff games, before the Oilers were defeated in the second round to the eventual Stanley Cup Champions, the Vegas Golden Knights.

Return to Arizona, move to Utah

[edit]

As a free agent from the Oilers, Bjugstad opted to return to former club, the Arizona Coyotes, in agreeing to a two-year, $4.2 million contract on July 1, 2023.[24] At the end of the 2023–24 season, the Coyotes' franchise was suspended and team assets were subsequently transferred to the expansion Utah Hockey Club; as a result, Bjugstad became a member of the Utah team.[25]

St. Louis Blues

[edit]

Bjugstad signed as a free agent to a two-year, $1.75 million contract with the St. Louis Blues on July 1, 2025.[26]

New Jersey Devils

[edit]

On February 4, 2026, Bjugstad was traded to the New Jersey Devils, in exchange for Thomas Bordeleau and a conditional 2026 fourth-round pick.[27]

Personal life

[edit]

Bjugstad at the 2012 World Junior Championships
Medal record
Representing  United States
Ice hockey
Ice Hockey World Championships
Bronze medal – third place 2013 Sweden/Finland
World Junior Championships
Bronze medal – third place 2011 USA

Bjugstad's father, Mike, played Division-III hockey at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, while his uncle, Scott, played at the University of Minnesota before going on to play in the NHL, where he spent a portion of his professional career with the Minnesota North Stars.[1] Scott and Nick have both played for the Pittsburgh Penguins; Scott played 24 games with the team during the 1988–89 season and scored three goals.

During the 2013–14 season, Bjugstad finished his class work to graduate with a degree in Business Marketing from the University of Minnesota.[28] Bjugstad and his wife Jackie, a kindergarten teacher, have one child together.[29]

Bjugstad is nicknamed “Rotisserie Chicken” after he skipped dinner with his Panthers teammates and opted to purchase rotisserie chicken at Publix instead. Amused fans would often throw chicken wings onto the ice as a result.[30]

Career statistics

[edit]

Regular season and playoffs

[edit]
Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2007–08 Blaine High School MNHS 16 10 17 27 — — — — — —
2008–09 Blaine High School MNHS 25 26 25 51 20 — — — — —
2009–10 Blaine High School MNHS 25 29 31 60 24 5 6 3 9 2
2010–11 University of Minnesota WCHA 29 8 12 20 51 — — — — —
2011–12 University of Minnesota WCHA 40 25 17 42 28 — — — — —
2012–13 University of Minnesota WCHA 40 21 15 36 28 — — — — —
2012–13 Florida Panthers NHL 11 1 0 1 2 — — — — —
2013–14 Florida Panthers NHL 76 16 22 38 16 — — — — —
2014–15 Florida Panthers NHL 72 24 19 43 38 — — — — —
2015–16 Florida Panthers NHL 67 15 19 34 41 5 2 2 4 2
2016–17 Florida Panthers NHL 54 7 7 14 22 — — — — —
2017–18 Florida Panthers NHL 82 19 30 49 41 — — — — —
2018–19 Florida Panthers NHL 32 5 7 12 16 — — — — —
2018–19 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 32 9 5 14 14 4 0 0 0 2
2019–20 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 13 1 1 2 8 — — — — —
2020–21 Minnesota Wild NHL 44 6 11 17 17 6 1 0 1 2
2021–22 Minnesota Wild NHL 57 7 6 13 20 — — — — —
2022–23 Arizona Coyotes NHL 59 13 10 23 26 — — — — —
2022–23 Edmonton Oilers NHL 19 4 2 6 8 12 3 0 3 16
2023–24 Arizona Coyotes NHL 76 22 23 45 59 — — — — —
2024–25 Utah Hockey Club NHL 66 8 11 19 16 — — — — —
2025–26 St. Louis Blues NHL 35 6 1 7 25 — — — — —
NHL totals 795 163 174 337 369 27 6 2 8 22

International

[edit]
Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM
2011 United States WJC 3rd place, bronze medalist(s) 6 2 2 4 0
2012 United States WJC 7th 6 4 2 6 0
2013 United States WC 3rd place, bronze medalist(s) 10 0 2 2 0
2017 United States WC 5th 8 1 3 4 4
Junior totals 12 6 4 10 0
Senior totals 18 1 5 6 4

Awards and honors

[edit]
Award Year Ref
High school
Minnesota Mr. Hockey 2009–10
College
All-WCHA First Team 2011–12
AHCA West Second-Team All-American 2011–12
All-WCHA Third Team 2012–13

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Nick Bjugstad

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Nicholas Bjugstad (born July 17, 1992) is an American professional ice hockey center currently playing for the of the National Hockey League (NHL). Standing at 6 feet 6 inches tall, Bjugstad is known for his size, two-way play, quick shot, and solid hockey sense, having been drafted 19th overall by the in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Over his 13-season NHL career spanning seven teams, he has recorded 161 goals and 174 assists in 771 regular-season games as of November 2025. Bjugstad grew up in Blaine, Minnesota, where he excelled in high school hockey at Blaine High School, earning the prestigious Minnesota Mr. Hockey Award as the state's top senior player in 2010 after tallying 69 points (35 goals, 34 assists) in 35 games. He then committed to the , playing two seasons for the Golden Gophers from 2010 to 2012. As a freshman in 2010–11, Bjugstad set a program record with 25 goals, led the team in scoring with 42 points (25 goals, 17 assists) in 40 games, and tied for fifth nationally in goals. In his sophomore year, he added 34 points (19 goals, 15 assists) in 38 games before signing his entry-level contract with the Panthers. Bjugstad began his professional career in the with the in 2012–13 before making his NHL debut with the Panthers late in the 2013–14 season. He broke out as a in 2013–14, leading the Panthers with 38 points (16 goals, 22 assists) in 76 games and finishing 13th in Calder Trophy voting for NHL Rookie of the Year. His career-best seasons came in 2014–15 with 24 goals and in 2017–18 with 49 points (19 goals, 30 assists) in 82 games, both with . After stints with the (2018–2020), (2020–2022), (2022–2023), (2023), and Utah Hockey Club (2023–2025), Bjugstad signed with the as a in July 2025 and has started the 2025–26 season with 5 points (4 goals, 1 assist) in 15 games.

Early life and amateur career

Early life

Nicholas Jay Bjugstad was born on July 17, 1992, in . He is the son of Mike and Janeen Bjugstad, with his father having played Division III college hockey at the . Bjugstad also has an older sister named Abbie. His uncle, Scott Bjugstad, was a professional hockey player who competed for the and later played nine seasons in the National Hockey League. Raised in Blaine, a suburb of known for its strong youth hockey programs, Bjugstad grew up in Minnesota's hockey-centric culture, where the sport is deeply embedded in community life. The family's involvement in hockey, including his father's experience and uncle's , fostered an early environment immersed in the game, with Bjugstad idolizing these relatives as he developed his skills. Outside of hockey, his interests included and , activities that reflected the outdoor lifestyle common in the region. To pursue hockey at a higher level sooner, Bjugstad accelerated his during high school by enrolling in summer classes and online courses, enabling him to graduate a year ahead of schedule and enroll early at the . This proactive approach allowed him to transition directly into college-level play without delay.

High school career

Bjugstad played his high school hockey at Blaine High School in , where he honed his skills as a in the competitive prep landscape. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches, Bjugstad's imposing physical presence allowed him to dominate along the boards and in front of the net, contributing significantly to his development as a . During his senior season in 2009–10, he tallied 35 goals and 34 assists for 69 points in 35 games, showcasing his scoring prowess and playmaking ability. That year, Bjugstad was named the Minnesota Mr. Hockey, recognizing him as the state's top high school player. As team captain, he played a key role in Blaine's success, helping the Bengals qualify for the Minnesota State High School Tournament for the third consecutive year (2008–2010).

College career

Bjugstad enrolled at the University of Minnesota to play for the Golden Gophers men's ice hockey team in the fall of 2010, shortly after being selected by the Florida Panthers in the first round, 19th overall, of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. As a freshman during the 2010–11 season, Bjugstad appeared in 29 games, recording 8 goals and 12 assists for 20 points, while earning the team's Frank Pond Rookie of the Year award. In his sophomore year of 2011–12, he emerged as a key offensive leader for the Gophers, leading the NCAA with 25 goals and tallying 17 assists for 42 points in 40 games, earning All-WCHA First Team and AHCA West Second All-American honors. Bjugstad's scoring prowess continued into his junior season in 2012–13, where he led the Gophers with 21 goals and added 15 assists for 36 points in 40 games, contributing significantly to the team's offensive output and earning a spot on the All-WCHA Third Team. Over his three seasons with , Bjugstad amassed 54 goals and 44 assists for 98 points in 109 games, establishing himself as one of the program's top young forwards. Following the 2012–13 season, he decided to forgo his senior year and signed a three-year entry-level contract with the on April 3, 2013.

Professional career

Florida Panthers (2013–2018)

Bjugstad signed a three-year entry-level contract with the on April 3, 2013, forgoing his senior year at the , and made his NHL debut on April 6, 2013, against the . In the 2013–14 season, he established himself as a full-time NHL player, appearing in 76 games as a and leading the Panthers in scoring with 38 points (16 goals, 22 assists). His performance earned him 13th place in voting for the , awarded to the NHL's top . As a 6-foot-6 , Bjugstad brought size and physicality to the lineup, often contributing in high-traffic areas around the net while developing his two-way game as a . The following season, 2014–15, marked Bjugstad's breakout year, as he set a career high with 24 goals and tallied 43 points in 72 games, leading the team in goals despite missing time due to a back injury that required surgery in late . On December 31, 2014, the Panthers rewarded his progress with a six-year contract extension worth $24.6 million, carrying an annual average value of $4.1 million and underscoring the organization's investment in his potential as a top-six forward. Bjugstad's performance fluctuated in subsequent seasons due to recurring injuries, including migraines in 2015–16 that sidelined him for several games and a broken hand early in 2016–17 that limited him to 54 games. In 2015–16, he recorded 34 points (15 goals, 19 assists) in 67 games, maintaining solid production despite health challenges. However, 2016–17 proved challenging, with only 14 points (7 goals, 7 assists) in 54 games amid adjustments to line positioning and multiple ailments. Bjugstad rebounded strongly in 2017–18, achieving a career-high 49 points (19 goals, 30 assists) in 82 games while playing primarily as a bottom-six and providing physical presence on the . Early in the 2018–19 season, he contributed 12 points (5 goals, 7 assists) in 32 games before the Panthers traded him to the on February 1, 2019, along with forward , in exchange for , forward Riley Sheahan, and three draft picks (a second-round pick and two fourth-round picks in 2019).

Pittsburgh Penguins (2018–2020)

On February 1, 2019, Bjugstad was acquired by the from the in a multi-player trade that sent forward Derick , forward Riley Sheahan, and three draft picks to in exchange for Bjugstad and forward . In the remaining 32 games of the 2018–19 regular season with , he contributed 9 goals and 5 assists for 14 points, helping to bolster the team's depth scoring as they finished second in the . Overall that season, split between the two teams, Bjugstad appeared in 64 games and tallied 14 goals and 12 assists for 26 points. In the , Bjugstad played a supporting role on ' first line during their first-round series against the , skating in all four games without recording a point as was eliminated in five games. His physical presence and faceoff capabilities provided matchup versatility in a contending lineup aiming for a deep postseason run. The 2019–20 season proved challenging for Bjugstad due to persistent injuries. He suited up for just 13 games with , posting 1 goal and 1 assist for 2 points before a core muscle injury sidelined him on November 15, 2019, against the ; he underwent surgery and missed 46 games before returning in early March 2020. A subsequent lower-body injury in late May required surgery for a herniated disc, ruling him out for the remainder of the season and the playoffs. Throughout his tenure, Bjugstad filled a depth role as a bottom-six forward and occasional third-line , leveraging his size and two-way play to support Pittsburgh's championship aspirations amid roster flux. On September 11, 2020, the Penguins traded him to the in exchange for a conditional seventh-round pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.

Minnesota Wild (2020–2022)

Bjugstad was acquired by the Minnesota Wild from the Pittsburgh Penguins on September 11, 2020, in exchange for a conditional seventh-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, with the Penguins retaining half of his $4.1 million salary cap hit. This move brought the Minneapolis native back to his home state ahead of the COVID-19-shortened 2020–21 season, which began in January 2021 and featured a 56-game schedule. In 44 games with the Wild that year, Bjugstad recorded 6 goals and 11 assists for 17 points, providing depth scoring as a middle-six forward while the team finished third in the Central Division and advanced to the playoffs. On July 5, 2021, Bjugstad signed a one-year extension with the Wild worth $900,000, securing his spot for the 2021–22 season as an unrestricted was approaching. He appeared in 57 games that season, tallying 7 goals and 6 assists for 13 points, often contributing in a bottom-six role with strong defensive play and reliability that supported the team's balanced attack. The Wild again qualified for the , ending fourth in the Central Division, where Bjugstad's steady presence helped stabilize lines during a competitive divisional grind. Returning to Minnesota carried emotional weight for Bjugstad, a Blaine native who starred for the Golden Gophers from 2010 to 2013, allowing him to play near family and reconnect with his roots amid career challenges. His tenure emphasized a professional focus on resurgence rather than sentiment, as he embraced a versatile role that aided the Wild's consistent postseason pushes in the restructured Central Division. Following the 2021–22 season, Bjugstad entered free agency and departed the organization.

Arizona Coyotes (2022–2023)

On July 13, 2022, Bjugstad signed a one-year, $900,000 contract with the as an unrestricted following two seasons with the . The signing added size and experience to Arizona's forward group, with the 30-year-old center bringing a 6-foot-6 frame and middle-six reliability to a team in the midst of a rebuild. In the 2022–23 season, Bjugstad established himself as the No. 2 center behind , providing veteran stability and two-way play in Arizona's rebuilding lineup. He appeared in 59 games, tallying 13 goals and 10 assists for 23 points, along with a plus-7 rating and 26 penalty minutes, contributing offensively while logging 16:59 average time on ice per game. His physical presence and faceoff prowess (47.2% win rate) helped anchor the second line amid a young roster featuring prospects like and . On March 2, 2023, ahead of the NHL trade deadline, the Coyotes traded Bjugstad and defenseman Cam Dineen to the in exchange for defenseman Michael Kesselring and Edmonton's third-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. The deal allowed Arizona to acquire a promising young blueliner while bolstering Edmonton's depth for a playoff push.

Edmonton Oilers (2023)

On March 2, 2023, the Edmonton Oilers acquired Nick Bjugstad from the Arizona Coyotes along with defenseman Cam Dineen in exchange for defenseman Michael Kesselring and a third-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, with the Coyotes retaining 50 percent of Bjugstad's $900,000 salary. The trade aimed to bolster the Oilers' bottom-six forward group and penalty kill ahead of a playoff push, bringing in Bjugstad's size (6-foot-6) and two-way play to a contending lineup transitioning from Arizona's rebuilding phase. Bjugstad made his debut shortly after the trade and quickly expressed excitement about joining a high-stakes environment, describing the move and his early experiences in Edmonton as "the best week of my life." In 19 regular-season games with the Oilers during the 2022–23 season, Bjugstad recorded 4 goals and 2 assists for 6 points while averaging 13:45 of ice time per game, primarily as a depth on the third and fourth lines. His physical presence and proficiency (winning 52.6 percent of draws) added stability to the bottom six, though his role remained limited amid Edmonton's star-heavy forward corps led by and . Bjugstad contributed to the team's penalty kill, which improved post-trade, and provided reliable checking against opponents during the stretch run to secure a second-place finish in the Pacific Division. Bjugstad's impact extended into the playoffs, where he appeared in all 12 games as the Oilers advanced past the in the first round before falling to the in the second. He scored 3 goals with no assists, including a two-goal performance in Game 5 of the first round that helped Edmonton secure a 6–3 and a 3–2 series lead, averaging 13:34 of ice time while logging significant penalty-kill minutes. Despite the limited offensive output, his physicality and defensive reliability supported the Oilers' depth in the intense playoff atmosphere, contrasting the lower-pressure setting he left in . Following the Oilers' playoff exit, Bjugstad became an unrestricted on July 1, 2023, and was not re-signed by amid the team's salary-cap constraints and roster priorities. His brief stint provided valuable bottom-six versatility but ended without a long-term commitment from the club.

Arizona Coyotes and Utah Hockey Club (2023–2025)

On July 1, 2023, Bjugstad signed a two-year contract with the worth $4.2 million, carrying an average annual value of $2.1 million, marking his return to the franchise after a brief stint with the the previous season. During the 2023–24 season, Bjugstad appeared in 76 games for the Coyotes, recording 22 goals and 23 assists for 45 points while averaging 17:26 of ice time per game, establishing himself as a reliable middle-six forward despite missing six games due to minor upper-body issues. His performance contributed to the team's defensive structure, as he posted a plus-11 rating and blocked 59 shots, showcasing his two-way capabilities on a rebuilding roster. Following the franchise's relocation to and rebranding as the Utah Hockey Club ahead of the 2024–25 season, Bjugstad adapted smoothly to , expressing enthusiasm about relocating his family to the area and embracing the fresh start in a supportive fan environment. As the oldest forward on the team at age 32, he provided veteran leadership to a young roster featuring prospects like and , mentoring younger players on professional habits and contributing to locker room morale during the transitional period. However, an upper-body sustained in preseason sidelined him for the first eight games, limiting his availability. In 66 games during the 2024–25 season, Bjugstad tallied 8 goals and 11 assists for 19 points, primarily operating as a checking-line center with penalty-kill duties, though his production dipped amid ongoing injury management and the team's inconsistent offensive output. Upon becoming an unrestricted at the conclusion of his contract, Bjugstad signed a two-year, $3.5 million deal with the on July 1, 2025, shifting to a Central Division rival in search of a more stable role.

St. Louis Blues (2025–present)

On July 1, 2025, Bjugstad signed a two-year contract with the worth $3.5 million, carrying an average annual value of $1.75 million. The deal came after he became an unrestricted following the 2024–25 season with the Utah Hockey Club. As a veteran center, Bjugstad was brought in to provide depth and reliability in the middle six, leveraging his size and experience to support the Blues' forward group under head coach Jim Montgomery. Entering the 2025–26 season, Bjugstad focused on recovering from upper-body injuries that had limited him during the prior campaign with , where he missed multiple games including the first eight of the year. As of November 16, 2025, he has appeared in 17 games for the , recording 4 goals and 1 assist for 5 points while posting a minus-1 rating. His goals included key contributions in early matchups, such as a tally against the on October 30, helping to stabilize the team's bottom-six scoring amid a challenging start to the season. Bjugstad has settled into a middle-six role, often centering the third line and logging around 13-15 minutes of time per game, emphasizing physical play with his 6-foot-6 frame to win puck battles and support defensive transitions. His ongoing regular-season efforts have aided the ' push for consistency, with his scoring touch providing timely offense in a lineup seeking playoff contention in the Central Division.

International career

World Junior Championships

Bjugstad represented the at the IIHF World Under-20 Championship (WJC) in both 2011 and 2012, showcasing his skills as a during his early college years at the . Standing at 6 feet 6 inches and known for his physical presence, strong shot, and two-way play, Bjugstad emerged as a key contributor on the U.S. roster, leveraging his size to dominate along the boards and in front of the net. For the 2011 tournament in , Bjugstad earned his spot on Team USA after excelling at the National Junior Evaluation Camp, where he led all participants with seven goals and finished second in points with eight in seven games. As a college freshman, he recorded two goals and two assists in six games, helping the U.S. secure a with a 4-2 victory over in the bronze-medal game, where he scored one of the goals. His performance against top international competition highlighted his potential, boosting his profile as a first-round NHL draft pick from the previous year and solidifying his status among North American prospects. Returning for the 2012 WJC in and , , Bjugstad served as a top-line and tied for the U.S. team lead in scoring with four goals and six points in six games, despite the squad finishing fifth overall. His goal-scoring prowess, including multiple tallies against strong opponents, underscored his offensive impact and further elevated his draft stock evaluations heading into his sophomore season. Across his two WJC appearances, Bjugstad tallied six goals and 10 points in 12 games for Team USA, establishing himself as a reliable with NHL-caliber tools that influenced his rapid rise in prospect rankings.

Other international competitions

Prior to the World Junior Championships, Bjugstad represented the in several junior international tournaments. He participated in the 2008 Under-17 Five Nations Tournament in , . In 2009, he played for the U.S. Under-18 team at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament in , , recording 1 goal and 2 assists in 4 games, and at the Under-18 Four Nations Cup in , , where the U.S. won the gold medal. Bjugstad made his senior international debut with Team USA at the 2013 IIHF World Championship in Sweden and Finland, where his selection followed a standout junior career that showcased his scoring prowess and physical presence on the ice. Playing all 10 games as a 20-year-old rookie on the senior stage, he contributed 2 assists while helping the United States secure a bronze medal in the tournament's bronze medal game against Finland. This appearance came shortly after Bjugstad signed his entry-level contract with the Florida Panthers in April 2013, allowing him to balance the international commitment with the transition to professional hockey without conflicting with his nascent NHL schedule. Bjugstad returned to represent Team USA at the in and , earning a spot on the roster after a solid season with the Panthers that highlighted his two-way play. In 8 games, he recorded 1 goal and 3 assists for 4 points, providing depth scoring and physicality on the fourth line amid a where the U.S. finished 11th overall. The event aligned post-NHL playoffs, as the Panthers were eliminated in the first round, enabling Bjugstad to participate without disrupting his club obligations. Over his senior international career, Bjugstad has appeared in 18 games for Team USA across these two World Championships, accumulating 1 goal and 5 assists for 6 points, with no participation in other major senior tournaments such as the . His limited but consistent contributions underscore a selective international role, prioritized around NHL demands and team needs.

Personal life

Family

Bjugstad hails from a hockey-oriented family in , where he was raised by parents Mike and Janeen alongside his sister, Abbie. He married Jackie Bjugstad, a whom he met while both attended the , in 2017. The couple welcomed their first daughter, , in 2017, followed by in 2020 and Ciella around 2023. The Bjugstads have frequently relocated with Nick's NHL career, including a move from to in 2024 following the franchise's transition and to , , in 2025 after signing with the . Jackie's supportive presence and the family's adaptability have been key to Nick's professional stability amid team changes, with the couple often highlighting the joys of raising their daughters during holiday traditions and team events.

Philanthropy and community involvement

Bjugstad established the Goals 4 Kids Foundation, a charity dedicated to motivating youth through goal-setting and educational support, which he co-founded with his wife. The foundation emphasizes giving back to young individuals, drawing from personal experiences that highlighted the value of community support for children. In 2024, Bjugstad partnered with the Foundation's Reading Program through Goals 4 Kids to reward students for classroom effort, providing incentives like tickets to games and personal visits to encourage reading and academic achievement. This collaboration included school visits, such as one to Desert Trails Elementary in February 2024, where he engaged students and presented awards to recognize their progress. His motivation for these initiatives stems partly from his wife Jackie's career as , which reinforces his commitment to educational causes, as well as fond memories of professional athletes visiting his own school during his youth, inspiring him to pursue hockey and now . Across his NHL tenures, Bjugstad has actively participated in team community events, including a 2023 youth hockey clinic with the Coyotes and Equality Health to promote physical activity among local students. With the Hockey Club, he visited West Valley Elementary School to discuss hockey and distribute gifts, and in December 2024, joined a hospital outreach at Primary alongside teammate Chris Armstrong. Earlier, in 2023 with the , he supported the Boys & Girls Clubs by hosting events for local teens to foster community involvement and . These efforts reflect a consistent focus on youth education and inspiration through sports.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Bjugstad's NHL career began with the in the 2013–14 season, where he established himself as a promising young forward before playing for multiple teams, including the , , /Utah Hockey Club, and . His regular season statistics, detailing games played (GP), goals (G), assists (A), points (PTS), (+/-), and penalty minutes (PIM) by season and team, are presented below.
SeasonTeamGPGAPTS+/-PIM
2013–14FLA76162238-1416
2014–15FLA72241943-738
2015–16FLA67151934-841
2016–17FLA547714-1922
2017–18FLA82193049541
2018–19TOT (FLA/PIT)64141226630
2019–20PIT1311238
2020–21MIN4461117717
2021–22MIN577613-220
2022–23TOT (ARI/EDM)781712291334
2023–24ARI762223451159
2024–25UTA6681119-216
2025–26STL17415-18
Career766160174334-8350
Bjugstad has appeared in the Stanley Cup playoffs with the (2016), (2019), (2021), and (2023), contributing offensively in limited roles. His playoff statistics are summarized in the table below.
SeasonTeamGPGAPTS+/-PIM
2015–16FLA522462
2018–19PIT4000-32
2020–21MIN610102
2022–23EDM12303-216
Total27628122

International

Bjugstad represented the United States at the IIHF World Junior Championships in 2011 and 2012, as well as the IIHF World Championships in 2013 and 2017. His statistics in these tournaments are summarized below:
YearTournamentTeamGPGAPts
2011World JuniorsUSA U206224
2012World JuniorsUSA U206426
2013World ChampionshipUSA10022
2017World ChampionshipUSA8134
Overall, across these IIHF tournaments, Bjugstad played 30 games, recording 7 goals and 9 assists for 16 points.

Awards and honors

Amateur and college awards

Bjugstad's high school career at Blaine High School culminated in him being named the 2009–10 Minnesota Mr. Hockey, an award given annually to the state's top senior boys' hockey player, after leading his team to the state semifinals with 34 goals and 35 assists for 69 points in 30 games. Bjugstad's standout amateur performance led to his selection by the in the first round, 19th overall, of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. During his freshman season at the in 2010–11, Bjugstad earned a spot on the All-WCHA Rookie Team after posting points (25 goals, 17 assists) in 40 games for the Golden Gophers. As a in 2011–12, he was named to the All-WCHA First Team and the AHCA West Second-Team All-American, highlights of a campaign in which he led the team with 25 goals and 42 points in 40 games; he also received WCHA Offensive Player of the Week honors twice that year. In his junior year of 2012–13, Bjugstad garnered All-WCHA Third Team recognition while contributing 36 points (21 goals, 15 assists) in 40 games.

Professional and international honors

Bjugstad received early recognition in his NHL career for his rookie performance but has not won any major league-wide individual awards. During the 2013–14 season with the Florida Panthers, he finished 13th in voting for the Calder Memorial Trophy, which is presented annually to the top rookie in the National Hockey League. Throughout his NHL career spanning 13 seasons and multiple teams as of 2025, Bjugstad has marked several personal milestones that highlight his consistency and development as a power forward. He set a career high with 24 goals in the 2014–15 season, establishing himself as a key offensive contributor for the Panthers. In the 2023–24 season with the Arizona Coyotes, Bjugstad achieved 22 goals and 45 points in 76 games—his highest point total since the 2017–18 season—and was honored with the Man of the Year Award by the Arizona Coyotes for his on-ice excellence combined with off-ice community efforts. These accomplishments underscore his longevity and adaptability across 13 seasons, from his debut in 2013–14 through the ongoing 2025–26 campaign. On the international stage, Bjugstad has represented the United States in senior competitions. He made his senior debut at the 2013 IIHF World Championship, where he recorded two assists in 10 games as Team USA captured the bronze medal. Bjugstad returned for the 2017 tournament, contributing four points (1 goal, 3 assists) in eight games. Earlier, at the junior level, he led Team USA in scoring at the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship with four goals and six points in six games, helping secure a fifth-place finish. At the 2011 IIHF World Under-20 Championship, he recorded one goal and one assist in seven games en route to a bronze medal finish.

References

  1. https://www.nhl.com/blues/player/nick-bjugstad-8475760
  2. https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/40265/nick-bjugstad
  3. https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/b/bjugsni01.html
  4. https://gophersports.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey/roster/nick-bjugstad/5250
  5. https://gophersports.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey/roster/nick-bjugstad/5223
  6. https://www.espn.com/nhl/player/_/id/5828/nick-bjugstad
  7. https://www.twincities.com/2010/03/15/pioneer-press-boys-hockey-player-of-the-year-nick-bjugstad-leaving-high-school-early-to-play-for-gophers/
  8. https://www.minnesotahockey.org/news_article/show/567363-shooting-like-an-nhler-with-scott-bjugstad
  9. https://www.nbcsports.com/nhl/news/video-minnesota-was-the-perfect-place-to-grow-up-playing-hockey-says-panthers-bjugstad
  10. https://minnesotahockeymag.com/living-the-dream/
  11. https://www.startribune.com/coming-of-age-and-right-on-time/117775238
  12. https://cardiaccane.com/2010/06/21/2010-nhl-mock-draft-if-the-hurricanes-stay-at-7/
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  30. https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/25901122/pittsburgh-penguins-acquire-nick-bjugstad-jared-mccann-florida-panthers
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  41. https://www.nhl.com/news/arizona-coyotes-2022-23-season-preview-335510950
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  51. https://puckpedia.com/player/nick-bjugstad
  52. https://www.ksl.com/article/51297601/one-year-later-utah-hockey-club-players-tell-the-story-of-the-move-to-utah
  53. https://thehockeywriters.com/coyotes-utah-hc-bjugstad-career-revival/
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  79. https://www.nhl.com/news/coyotes-equality-health-kick-off-partnership-with-clinic
  80. https://utahjazzweb.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1683-2425-SEG-Community_Impact_Report_16x9_v8.pdf
  81. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Wmd8S2e6ss
  82. https://www.nhl.com/news/nick-bjugstad-teams-up-with-boys-and-girls-clubs-january-27-2023-340495750
  83. https://www.maxpreps.com/news/1xXA1DG8Ed-UswAcxJTdpg/minnesota-bjugstad-is-a-humble-mr-hockey-award-winner.htm
  84. https://gophersports.com/news/2010/6/26/Bjugstad_Drafted_No_19_by_Panthers
  85. https://www.thedailygopher.com/2025/6/25/24451091/minnesota-golden-gophers-hockey-too-25-players-2020-2025-leopold-pohl
  86. https://www.nhlpa.com/news/bjugstad-a-humble-grateful-star
  87. https://www.hockey-reference.com/awards/voting-2014.html#all-calder-stats
  88. https://www.nhl.com/news/coyotes-announce-2023-24-award-winners
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