Bjugstad Bolsters Devils' Roster in Trade Deadline Deal

In a move signaling their intent to gear up for a strong playoff push, the New Jersey Devils have acquired veteran forward Nick Bjugstad from the St. Louis Blues. The trade, announced on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, sees the Blues receive forward prospect Thomas Bordeleau and a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft in exchange for Bjugstad. The conditional pick will be the latest of the three fourth-round picks that the Devils own.

Bjugstad, a 33-year-old center/right winger, brings size and experience to the Devils' forward group. Standing at 6'6" and weighing 210 pounds, the Minneapolis native was originally drafted by the Florida Panthers in the first round (19th overall) in 2010. Throughout his 14-year NHL career, Bjugstad has played for the Panthers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Minnesota Wild, Arizona Coyotes, Edmonton Oilers, Utah Hockey Club and St. Louis Blues.

This season with the Blues, Bjugstad has recorded 6 goals and 1 assist in 35 games. While his offensive production this year is the lowest of his career, his defensive game has remained strong. He has also maintained a faceoff win percentage of 51.1%, above his career average of 49%. Bjugstad found some success on the Blues' fourth line with Nathan Walker and Alexey Toropchenko, controlling 54.2% of expected goals despite mostly defensive zone starts.

The Devils, currently sitting 6th in the Metropolitan Division with a 28-25-2 record, are looking to solidify their roster for a playoff berth. The team has been dealing with injuries to key players, including Jack Hughes and Luke Hughes, which has impacted their performance. With less than an hour remaining until a league-wide trade moratorium that will last through the Olympic break, the Devils acted to add depth.

Bjugstad's versatility and experience are expected to provide a boost to the Devils' bottom-six forward group. He is known for his two-way ability, quick shot, and solid hockey sense. He has a career total of 163 goals and 174 assists in 794 NHL games.

In a corresponding move, the Devils have assigned forward Juho Lammikko to AHL Utica. The Devils' roster includes forwards Jesper Bratt, Connor Brown, and Jack Hughes. The Blues' roster now excludes Bjugstad and includes players like Pavel Buchnevich, Jordan Kyrou, and Brayden Schenn.

The trade deadline is fast approaching and this deal between the Blues and Devils could be a sign of more action to come.