Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Nick Bjugstad

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 2, 2025

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Nick Bjugstad made an impact.

Nicholas "Nick" Bjugstad is a professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the St. Louis Blues in the NHL. Bjugstad was drafted in the first round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft by the Florida Panthers, marking a significant start to his NHL career.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2010: Finished high school career

In 2010, Bjugstad concluded his high school career at Blaine High School, having contributed to three consecutive Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournaments.

2010: Began Collegiate Career

In 2010, Bjugstad started his college career at the University of Minnesota, playing for the Golden Gophers.

2010: Drafted by Florida Panthers

In 2010, Nick Bjugstad was selected by the Florida Panthers in the first round (19th overall) of the NHL entry draft.

2012: Joined the Panthers

In 2012, Nick Bjugstad joined the last-placed Florida Panthers to end the 2012-13 season.

April 3, 2013: Signed with Florida Panthers

On April 3, 2013, Bjugstad signed a three-year entry-level deal with the Florida Panthers following his junior season at the University of Minnesota.

April 27, 2013: First NHL Goal

On April 27, 2013, Bjugstad scored his first NHL goal against Anders Lindbäck in a victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning.

December 31, 2014: Signed Contract Extension with Panthers

On December 31, 2014, Bjugstad signed a six-year contract extension with the Panthers, worth $24.6 million.

2017: Career Highs

During the 2017-18 campaign, Bjugstad rebounded from a disappointing season by setting career highs in points, assists, and games played.

March 6, 2018: First NHL Hat Trick

On March 6, 2018, Bjugstad recorded his first career hat trick in the NHL against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

February 1, 2019: Traded to Pittsburgh Penguins

On February 1, 2019, Bjugstad, along with teammate Jared McCann, was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins. In return, the Florida Panthers received Derick Brassard, Riley Sheahan, a 2nd round pick, and two 4th round picks in the 2019 NHL entry draft.

September 11, 2020: Traded to Minnesota Wild

On September 11, 2020, Bjugstad was traded to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for a conditional pick in the 2021 NHL entry draft.

July 5, 2021: Signed Contract Extension with Wild

On July 5, 2021, Bjugstad opted to remain with the Wild, signing a one-year, $900,000 contract extension.

2021: Recorded 17 points in 44 games

During the pandemic-delayed 2020-21 season, Bjugstad recorded six goals and 17 points in 44 games for the Minnesota Wild.

July 13, 2022: Signed with Arizona Coyotes

On July 13, 2022, Bjugstad signed a one-year, $900,000 contract with the Arizona Coyotes.

March 2, 2023: Traded to Edmonton Oilers

On March 2, 2023, Bjugstad was traded by the Coyotes to the Edmonton Oilers with Cam Dineen for a third-round pick in 2023 and prospect Michael Kesselring.