If you know me well, you'll know that big-time scorers and highlight-reel players don't make me go, "Wow." I expect stellar play from them in the offensive zone, so you'll never see them make me jump outta my seat when they score. Then there are players like Nick Bjugstad, whose play, in my opinion, is much more interesting.
So I was glad to see the St. Louis Blues snag him this past summer, and I'm expecting him to be a pivotal part of the team's lower lines as they try and muscle their way back to the postseason. And who better than Bjugstad, who knows the Central Division well since he's spent time with the Arizona Coyotes and Utah Hockey Club (now the Utah Mammoth)?
Add to the fact he's got experience galore, heading into his 13th full NHL season, and can pick up a role Radek Faksa left vacant and play it better, there's a lot to like here. No, his numbers were nothing special last season, with 19 points and eight goals, but let's not forget the 45-point, 22-goal campaign Bjugstad enjoyed during the Coyotes final run in 2023-24.
So Bjugstad can produce, and he probably will in Arch City, where the Blues bring more of a high-octane approach these days. But for me, production's a bonus here.
Leadership and a defensive-first approach is what Nick Bjugstad will be about
General manager Doug Armstrong made the right call here when he went out and got a veteran in Bjugstad, who's gonna help a still-growing team like the Blues go even further if they can weather a mighty Central Division.
Bjugstad doesn't have much postseason experience, with his longest run coming in 2023 with the Edmonton Oilers. But he started that season in Arizona and the Oilers traded for him, so it shows us that playoff-caliber teams understand his value.
He's moderately reliable in the face-off circle, and can take draws in the defensive zone. Bjugstad's not as good at winning draws as Faksa, but he makes up for it with more offensive output, something his 51.5 Corsi For Percentage drove home during his lone year in Utah.
He'll also land numerous body checks, easily over one per game, and there have been times he's threatened multiple hits. That'll add even more of an edge to the Blues, and it's something they'll need to keep up all season.
Expect Bjugstad to slide into the lower lines, possibly seeing play on both the third and fourth as the season wears on. If he emulates the role Faksa played and transforms it to another level, then the Blues are gonna be even deeper this season.