Blues Trade Forward Nick Bjugstad to the Devils
Table of Contents
- 1. Blues Trade Forward Nick Bjugstad to the Devils
- 2. Details of the Transaction
- 3. Bjugstad’s Performance and Contract
- 4. A Veteran’s Journey
- 5. blues Considering further Moves
- 6. Team Standings and Playoff Implications
- 7. What were the details of the trade sending Nick Bjugstad from the Blues to the Devils?
- 8. Blues Trade Nick Bjugstad to Devils: A Deep Dive
- 9. Details of the Trade
- 10. Why the devils Targeted Bjugstad
- 11. Blues’ Rationale for the trade
- 12. Ethan Phillips: Player Profile
- 13. Impact on Team Dynamics
- 14. Looking Ahead
St. Louis has agreed to trade veteran forward Nick Bjugstad to the New Jersey Devils, according to sources close to both organizations on February 4, 2026. The move signals a potential shift in strategy for the Blues as they approach the upcoming trade deadline.
Details of the Transaction
In exchange for Bjugstad, the Devils are sending a mid-round selection in the next NHL draft, and also a player currently under contract in the American Hockey League (AHL), to the Blues. This type of exchange highlights the balancing act teams undertake—acquiring immediate help while preserving future assets.
Bjugstad’s Performance and Contract
This season, the 33-year-old Bjugstad has recorded six goals and one assist in 35 games played for St. Louis. He’s currently in the second year of a two-year contract with a $1.75 million annual cap hit, giving the Devils cap certainty thru the 2026-2027 season. Previously, Bjugstad played for the Utah Hockey Club, where he showcased his offensive skills with eight goals and 19 points in 66 games last season.
A Veteran’s Journey
Originally drafted 19th overall in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft by the Florida Panthers, Bjugstad has amassed 163 goals and 337 points across 795 career National Hockey League games. He has played for a multitude of teams including the Pittsburgh Penguins, Minnesota Wild, Arizona Coyotes, Edmonton Oilers, and now, the New Jersey Devils. His extensive experience makes him a valuable addition to any roster seeking seasoned leadership.
blues Considering further Moves
The trade of Bjugstad might potentially be the beginning of a more significant roster overhaul for the Blues. Reports indicate that the team is open to discussing potential trades involving forwards Robert Thomas, Jordan Kyrou, and Brayden Schenn, and also defensemen Colton Parayko and Justin Faulk, and goaltender Jordan Binnington. This willingness to engage in talks suggests the blues are exploring all options to rebuild or retool their lineup.
Team Standings and Playoff Implications
Currently, the Blues hold the second-worst record in the NHL with a 20-27-9 standing. The Devils, while positioned higher, find themselves just outside the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference, trailing the Boston Bruins by 10 points for the final wild-card berth. Adding a player like Bjugstad could bolster their playoff push.
| Team | Record (as of Feb 4, 2026) | Conference Standing |
|---|---|---|
| St. Louis Blues | 20-27-9 | Second-Last in NHL |
| New jersey Devils | (Record not provided) | Outside Playoff Contention, Eastern Conference |
The NHL trade market is frequently enough a dynamic one, and teams are constantly evaluating their needs and opportunities. This deal between the Blues and Devils is a testament to that ongoing process.
Do you think the Devils made the right move adding a veteran presence like Bjugstad?
Will the Blues’ potential fire sale result in a quicker rebuild?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation!
What were the details of the trade sending Nick Bjugstad from the Blues to the Devils?
Blues Trade Nick Bjugstad to Devils: A Deep Dive
The St. Louis Blues have announced a trade sending forward Nick Bjugstad to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for a 2026 third-round draft pick and AHL forward Ethan Phillips. This move, finalized on February 4th, 2026, impacts both teams as they navigate the remainder of the NHL season and look towards future roster construction.
Details of the Trade
Here’s a breakdown of the key components of the deal:
* To New Jersey Devils: Nick Bjugstad,a veteran forward known for his size and versatility.
* to St. Louis Blues: A 2026 third-round draft pick and Ethan Phillips, a promising forward currently playing with the Utica Comets (New Jersey’s AHL affiliate).
The trade was reported by multiple sources, including NHL.com and ESPN, confirming the exchange late Tuesday afternoon.
Why the devils Targeted Bjugstad
New Jersey has been actively seeking to bolster their forward depth,especially with an eye towards the playoffs. Bjugstad provides several key attributes that appeal to Head Coach Lindy Ruff:
* Versatility: Bjugstad can play all three forward positions, offering lineup flexibility.
* Physicality: At 6’6” and 205 pounds, he adds a physical presence to the Devils’ offense.
* Penalty Killing: Bjugstad has demonstrated a reliable ability to contribute on the penalty kill.
* Playoff Experience: having participated in multiple playoff runs with previous teams, he brings valuable experience to a young Devils core.
The Devils currently rank among the top teams in the Metropolitan Division, and this acquisition is clearly aimed at strengthening their chances for a deep playoff run. They’ve been linked to several forward options in recent weeks, but Bjugstad presented a good value proposition for the team.
Blues’ Rationale for the trade
For the St. Louis Blues, this trade represents a strategic move towards rebuilding and accumulating future assets.
* Draft Capital: Acquiring a third-round pick provides the Blues with another opportunity to add young talent through the draft.
* AHL Prospect: Ethan Phillips, 23, has shown promising advancement in the AHL. He’s a right-shot forward known for his work ethic and two-way play. Phillips provides depth for the Blues’ AHL affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds, and a potential future NHL contributor.
* bjugstad’s Role: While a valuable player, Bjugstad wasn’t a core piece of the Blues’ long-term plans. Trading him allows them to capitalize on his value and address other areas of need.
The Blues are currently in a rebuilding phase following their Stanley Cup victory in 2019. General Manager Doug Armstrong has been focused on acquiring draft picks and developing young players,and this trade aligns with that strategy.
Ethan Phillips: Player Profile
Ethan Phillips was drafted by the Devils in the 4th round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. He played college hockey at Boston University before turning professional.
* position: Right Wing/Center
* Height: 6’1”
* Weight: 185 lbs
* AHL Stats (as of Feb 4, 2026): 45 games played, 12 goals, 18 assists, 30 points.
Scouts describe Phillips as a hard-working player with good hockey sense and a willingness to battle for pucks.He’s still developing, but possesses the potential to become a solid bottom-six forward in the NHL.
Impact on Team Dynamics
The departure of Bjugstad creates a void in the Blues’ forward lineup. Expect increased opportunities for younger players to step up and demonstrate their capabilities.the Devils, on the other hand, will need to integrate Bjugstad into their existing lines and systems quickly. His versatility should make the transition relatively smooth.
Looking Ahead
This trade is a win-now move for the New Jersey Devils and a future-focused decision for the St. Louis Blues. It will be interesting to observe how both teams perform in the remainder of the season and how the acquired assets contribute to their respective long-term goals. The 2026 NHL Trade Deadline is fast approaching, and this deal could be a precursor to further activity from both franchises.
