Nick Bjugstad Bio
Nicholas Jay Bjugstad is an American professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the St. Louis Blues in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected 19th overall by the Florida Panthers in the first round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft and has played in the NHL since 2013.
Early Life and Background
Nick Bjugstad was born on July 17, 1992, in Blaine, Minnesota, USA. He grew up in a hockey-involved family; his father, Mike, played Division-III hockey at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, and his uncle, Scott, played at the University of Minnesota before a professional career that included time with the Minnesota North Stars and Pittsburgh Penguins. Bjugstad attended Blaine High School, where he helped lead the hockey team to three consecutive Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournaments and was named Mr. Hockey in the 2009–10 season. He accelerated his education by taking summer and online courses to graduate a year early.
Bjugstad then enrolled at the University of Minnesota, playing for the Golden Gophers from 2010 to 2013. During his collegiate career, he scored 54 goals and 44 assists, contributing to two Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) championships. He completed his degree in Business Marketing while playing college hockey.
Path to Hockey
Bjugstad was drafted by the Florida Panthers in 2010 after his strong performance in high school and college hockey. He chose to remain loyal to his high school teammates by declining an invitation to train with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program in 2008. His collegiate success and draft selection paved the way for his professional career in the NHL.
Nick Bjugstad Career
Early Career (2013–2014)
Bjugstad signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Florida Panthers in April 2013, immediately joining the team for the end of the 2012–13 NHL season. He scored his first NHL goal on April 27, 2013, against the Tampa Bay Lightning. In his first full NHL season (2013–14), Bjugstad led the Panthers in points with 38 and was third in goals with 16, spending much of the season on the team’s first line.
Florida Panthers Era (2013–2019)
During his tenure with the Panthers, Bjugstad signed a six-year contract extension worth $24.6 million in December 2014. His 2016–17 season was hampered by injuries, including a broken hand and a lower-body injury, which affected his performance. However, he rebounded in the 2017–18 season by setting career highs in points, assists, and games played. Notably, he recorded his first NHL hat trick in March 2018 against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Pittsburgh Penguins Era (2019–2020)
In February 2019, Bjugstad was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he took on the role of third-line center. He helped the Penguins qualify for the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs but had limited impact in the postseason. The following season, injuries limited him to 13 games, including a core-muscle injury that required surgery and sidelined him for several months. He returned briefly before suffering another injury that ended his season early.
Minnesota Wild Era (2020–2021)
Bjugstad was traded to the Minnesota Wild in September 2020. In the pandemic-delayed 2020–21 season, he recorded six goals and 17 points in 44 games. He signed a one-year contract extension with the Wild in July 2021.
Arizona Coyotes and Edmonton Oilers (2022–2023)
Bjugstad signed a one-year contract with the Arizona Coyotes in July 2022. In March 2023, he was traded to the Edmonton Oilers, where he contributed four goals and six points in 19 regular-season games and scored a career-best three playoff goals in 12 games. The Oilers were eliminated in the second round by the eventual Stanley Cup champions, the Vegas Golden Knights.
Return to Arizona Coyotes and St. Louis Blues Era (2023–Present)
As a free agent, Bjugstad returned to the Arizona Coyotes on a two-year contract in July 2023. Following the suspension of the Coyotes franchise at the end of the 2023–24 season, Bjugstad became a member of the Utah Hockey Club. He signed a two-year contract with the St. Louis Blues starting in 2025.
Playing Style and Strengths
Bjugstad is known for his size and versatility as a forward, standing 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 99 kilograms. He is effective in both offensive and defensive roles, with a strong presence on the ice. His ability to contribute in scoring and physical play makes him a valuable asset to his teams.
Notable Events and Milestones
Highlights of Bjugstad’s career include his first NHL goal in 2013, his first career hat trick in 2018, and his significant contributions during playoff runs with multiple teams. His resilience through injuries and ability to adapt to new teams have marked his professional journey.
Nick Bjugstad Career Wins
Throughout his NHL career, Nick Bjugstad has accumulated numerous points and goals across several teams. While specific win totals are not detailed, his consistent presence and scoring ability have contributed to team successes in various seasons.
Florida Panthers Highlights
Bjugstad’s early NHL years with the Florida Panthers were marked by his emergence as a leading scorer, including leading the team in points during the 2013–14 season. His six-year contract extension reflected the Panthers’ confidence in his abilities.
Other Wins & Performances
His time with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Minnesota Wild, Arizona Coyotes, and Edmonton Oilers showcased his adaptability and contributions in different team environments, including playoff appearances and key regular-season performances.
Nick Bjugstad Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Nick Bjugstad comes from a family with a strong hockey background. His father played collegiate hockey, and his uncle had a professional career in the NHL. This lineage has influenced his development and passion for the sport.
Personal Life
Bjugstad is married to Jackie, a kindergarten teacher, and they have one son. He completed his education at the University of Minnesota, earning a degree in Business Marketing. Nick is also known by the nickname “Rotisserie Chicken,” a playful moniker given by fans due to an incident involving a rotisserie chicken purchase during his time with the Panthers.
2025 Season Performance
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Nick Bjugstad is set to join the St. Louis Blues under a two-year contract. His experience and size are expected to bolster the Blues’ forward lines. With his proven track record of rebounding from injuries and contributing offensively and defensively, Bjugstad aims to make a significant impact in the upcoming seasons. The partnership with the Blues’ coaching staff and team dynamics will be crucial for his continued success.