Nick Bjugstad has wasted no time making his presence felt since returning from injury - and he’s doing it in a way that’s hard to ignore. After missing 15 games with an upper-body issue, the veteran forward has jumped back into the St.
Louis Blues' lineup and immediately become one of their most impactful players. In just two games, he’s found the back of the net twice, including a short-handed tally that stood as the game-winner against the Hurricanes.
That kind of clutch play doesn’t just show up in the box score - it energizes a bench, swings momentum, and contributes directly to wins. And right now, Bjugstad is a big reason the Blues are riding a mini surge.
The question now: Can he keep it going? We've seen flashes like this from Bjugstad before - stretches where he looks like a difference-maker.
But historically, those bursts have cooled off. That said, even if this recent run is temporary, it’s coming at the perfect time for the Blues.
With the trade deadline looming, Bjugstad is positioning himself as one of the more intriguing depth options available. And when you look at the full picture - his play style, experience, and contract - he checks a lot of boxes for playoff-bound teams looking to bolster their bottom six.
Through 27 games this season, Bjugstad has tallied six goals and one assist. Not eye-popping numbers, but that’s not the full story.
He’s also laid 54 hits, blocked 19 shots, and forced a couple of takeaways - the kind of gritty, detail-oriented contributions that coaches love in tight postseason games. His advanced metrics - a 44.60 Corsi For percentage, 45.97 scoring chances for percentage, and a 48.43 expected goals percentage - suggest he’s slightly below average offensively, but not by much.
And when you factor in his 6'6" frame and physical presence, he brings an edge that’s tailor-made for playoff hockey.
Bjugstad’s playoff resume isn’t extensive, but it’s solid. He’s appeared in 27 postseason games, scoring six goals and adding two assists.
More importantly, he’s shown he can handle the intensity of playoff hockey, using his size and experience to carve out a role when the ice gets tighter and the games get heavier. He’s not the kind of player who will headline a trade deadline day broadcast, but he’s exactly the type of guy contenders target to round out their lineup - a dependable, physical forward who can chip in offensively and wear down opponents over a seven-game series.
And then there’s the contract - a major part of what makes Bjugstad such an attractive piece. He’s in the first year of a two-year deal that carries a very manageable $1.75 million cap hit.
That kind of value is gold for teams navigating a tight salary cap. You’re not just getting a rental - you’re getting a cost-controlled veteran with playoff experience for the rest of this season and all of next.
That’s the kind of flexibility that can make a front office pull the trigger.
So who might be interested? Realistically, just about every contender should be making a call.
His cost in terms of trade assets likely won’t be sky-high - a couple of draft picks could get it done. For a team like the Sharks, who are ahead of schedule and currently in a playoff spot, Bjugstad could be a smart, low-risk addition that boosts their lineup without mortgaging the future.
Teams like the Maple Leafs or Oilers, who are always looking for more edge and depth come playoff time, could also be in the mix. His game fits the mold of what those teams need when the postseason rolls around.
The bottom line is this: Nick Bjugstad may not be the flashiest name on the market, but he’s playing some of his best hockey at the right time. For the Blues, that makes him a valuable trade chip - especially if they don’t see him as part of the long-term picture.
His recent surge, combined with his physical play style, playoff experience, and team-friendly contract, makes him one of the more underrated assets available as the deadline approaches. If St.
Louis is looking to maximize his value, now’s the time to strike.