Nick Bjugstad: A Potential New Locker Room Favorite for Blues Fans
The St. Louis Blues made a solid, no-nonsense acquisition this offseason by adding Nick Bjugstad, and he could quickly become a fan favorite in the locker room.
If you know me, you’ll understand that I’m not easily impressed by high-scoring, highlight-reel players. I expect consistency from them in the offensive zone, but I don’t get overly excited when they score. On the other hand, players like Nick Bjugstad—whose style is far more intriguing—tend to catch my attention.
That’s why I was happy to see the Blues pick him up this past summer. I’m expecting him to be a key player on the team’s lower lines as they work to push back into playoff contention. And who better than Bjugstad, who’s already familiar with the Central Division from his time with the Arizona Coyotes and Utah Hockey Club (now the Utah Mammoth)?
With 13 seasons of NHL experience under his belt, Bjugstad can seamlessly fill the void left by Radek Faksa and likely improve upon it. While his numbers weren’t anything to write home about last season—19 points and eight goals—let’s not forget his 45-point, 22-goal season with the Coyotes during their final push in 2023-24.
Bjugstad is capable of contributing offensively, and with the Blues shifting to a more high-energy approach, he’ll likely thrive in the fast-paced atmosphere of Arch City. However, for me, any production he provides is just a bonus.
Leadership and a Defensive-First Mindset: What Bjugstad Brings to the Table
General manager Doug Armstrong made the right move in bringing in a veteran like Bjugstad, who will be crucial for a Blues team that is still evolving and trying to make its way through a tough Central Division.
Although Bjugstad doesn’t have much postseason experience, his longest playoff run came with the Edmonton Oilers in 2023. It’s worth noting, though, that he started that season in Arizona, and the Oilers traded for him, showing that playoff-caliber teams see value in his skillset.
Bjugstad is a solid option in the faceoff circle, especially for defensive-zone draws, though he doesn’t quite match Faksa’s proficiency in that department. He makes up for it with offensive production, demonstrated by his 51.5 Corsi For Percentage during his season in Utah.
He’s also known for his physical play, regularly landing at least one hit per game and sometimes delivering multiple checks. This physicality will add another layer of toughness to the Blues, something they’ll need as the season progresses.
Expect Bjugstad to slot into the team’s lower lines, potentially seeing time on both the third and fourth lines. If he can elevate the role Faksa played and take it to the next level, the Blues will have an even deeper roster this season.
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