NEWARK, N.J. — The New Jersey Devils bolstered their forward lines Wednesday, acquiring Nick Bjugstad from the St. Louis Blues just before the Olympic roster freeze. This strategic move signals the team’s intent to capitalize on newly available salary cap space.
Devils Add Veteran Forward in Pre-Olympic Trade
New Jersey acquired Nick Bjugstad from St. Louis for a conditional fourth-round pick and minor-leaguer Thomas Bordeleau.
- The Devils sent a conditional fourth-round draft pick and prospect Thomas Bordeleau to the Blues.
- Bjugstad, 33, has recorded seven points in 35 games this season.
- The trade allows New Jersey to utilize cap space opened up by sending Ondrej Palat to the New York Islanders.
- Bjugstad’s contract runs through next season with an annual cap hit of $1.75 million.
The Devils parted ways with a conditional fourth-round pick and minor-league player Thomas Bordeleau to complete the deal. This will be the final of three fourth-round selections currently held by New Jersey, also including picks originally belonging to Dallas and Winnipeg.
What impact will Nick Bjugstad have on the New Jersey Devils’ playoff push? Bjugstad brings a veteran presence and a cost-effective contract to a Devils team aiming for a deep postseason run. He signed with St. Louis as a free agent prior to this season.
The acquisition of Bjugstad comes on the heels of New Jersey sending winger Ondrej Palat to the New York Islanders, freeing up valuable cap space. Bjugstad is under contract through next season at a team-friendly $1.75 million cap hit annually.
New Jersey initially acquired Bordeleau earlier this season in a trade with the San Jose Sharks.
