The Arizona Coyotes have signed Nick Bjugstad to a two-year contract as the 30-year-old center is excited to be back in the Valley.
Nick Bjugstad is returning to the Valley. The Arizona Coyotes have signed Bjugstad to a two-year contract worth $2.1 million a year.
The 30-year-old center was with the Coyotes for 59 games this past season where he had 13 goals, 10 assists and 23 points. He was traded to the Edmonton Oilers one day before the trade deadline on March 2.
“We are very pleased to have Nick re-join the Coyotes,” said Coyotes general manager Bill Armstrong. “He is a reliable two-way center, a good leader, and a great teammate. We look forward to having him back on our roster again this season.”
Bjugstad is optimistic about the Coyotes future, a big reason why he ultimately chose to return to Arizona.
“Obviously Arizona is a good spot to live but I think the number one choice was that I think this team is headed in the right direction and I had good conversation with Billy Armstrong and It sounds like we're gonna take the next step,” Bjugstad said. “So I'd like to be a part of that and contribute in whatever way I can.”
Bjugstad has a lot of experience in the NHL and could slide into that mentor role helping guide the younger players on the team. He also was utilized by coach Andre Tourigny on the penalty kill and as an effective two-way forward which is a position the veteran is comfortable playing.
“I think if I can play a similar role and help on the penalty kill help defensively, that's where I think my game has changed over the years,” Bjugstad said. “So I definitely want to be helpful. In that standpoint. We're gonna have a lot of young guys, young guys coming through the system so being older, just having little guidance in the locker room…”