The New Jersey Devils made a move ahead of the Olympic break, acquiring veteran center Nick Bjugstad from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick and forward prospect Thomas Bordeleau.
Bjugstad brings size, experience, and versatility to a Devils team looking to recalibrate after a disappointing first half. At 6-foot-6, he’s long been known as a dependable bottom-six center who can win draws, kill penalties, and chip in offensively when needed.
While his numbers this season-seven points in 35 games-don’t jump off the page, Bjugstad’s value isn’t always measured in the box score. He’s the kind of player who can stabilize a line, take tough defensive assignments, and bring a veteran presence to a locker room that’s still finding its identity.
This will be Bjugstad’s seventh team since the 2019-20 season, a testament to how teams across the league view his utility. He’s a plug-and-play option who can slide into different roles without disrupting chemistry.
Just two seasons ago, he put up 22 goals and 45 points with the Coyotes-a reminder that he still has some offensive touch when given the right opportunity. Under contract through 2027 at a manageable $1.75 million cap hit, Bjugstad offers the Devils both short-term help and long-term flexibility.
On the other side of the deal, the Blues pick up Thomas Bordeleau, a 24-year-old center originally drafted by the Sharks in 2020. Bordeleau has 44 games of NHL experience under his belt and has tallied eight points in 35 AHL games this season. While he hasn’t quite broken through at the NHL level, he remains a skilled, creative forward who could benefit from a fresh start in a new system.
Both the Devils and the Blues are trending toward missing the playoffs this year after making the postseason last spring. That context adds some clarity to this trade-New Jersey is looking to add a steadying presence down the middle, while St. Louis is opting to build for the future.
With the NHL’s trade freeze kicking in at 3 p.m. ET on Wednesday due to the Olympic break, this deal slides in just before the pause.
For the Devils, it’s a low-risk move that adds depth and experience. For the Blues, it’s a chance to invest in a younger asset and continue reshaping their roster.
There’s no blockbuster headline here, but it’s the kind of under-the-radar move that can quietly pay dividends down the stretch-or set the stage for bigger decisions down the road.