This summer, Jason Newland and I will continue our series looking at potential free agent targets who could be available on July 1.
Target: Nick Bjugstad – C – 13 Years Experience
Bjugstad seems to be one of the NHL’s favourite bottom-six forwards. Over 13 years in the league, he’s played for six different teams — if you count the Utah Mammoth and Arizona Coyotes as separate. He’s the type of player every playoff team wants when it matters most.
At 6-foot-5 and 205 pounds, he brings size and experience, which should make him a pretty popular name on the open market. And don’t be surprised if Columbus Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell is one of the teams interested.
Stats
In 66 games with Utah this season, Bjugstad scored eight goals and 11 assists for 19 points. His best offensive season came back in 2017-18 when he put up 49 points in 82 games. Over his 13-year career, he’s played in 760 NHL games and scored 157 goals and 173 assists for 330 points.
Previous Salary
Bjugstad, now 32, just finished a two-year deal that carried a $2.1 million AAV. Most contract projections have him getting something close to a two-year deal at around $2.3 million per season.
Realistic Chances of a Signing: Warm
If he hits free agency, Bjugstad is going to draw a lot of interest. That said, it would be a bit of a surprise if Utah doesn’t try to bring him back given how valuable he is to them. But if he walks, Columbus should be near the front of the line.
Waddell and head coach Dean Evason like players who can play a heavier game, Bjugstad can throw a good amount of hits, he usually lands around 100 hits per year. Pair that with his ability to play center or the wing, and he checks a lot of boxes for the Blue Jackets’ bottom six.
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