History of Nick Bjugstad in Timeline

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

July 17, 1992: Nick Bjugstad's Birth

On July 17, 1992, Nicholas Jay Bjugstad was born. He is an American professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the St Louis Blues of the NHL.

2008: Turned down USA Hockey invitation

During the summer of 2008, Bjugstad declined an invitation to train with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, showing loyalty to his high school teammates.

2009: Named Mr. Hockey

In 2009, Nick Bjugstad was named Mr. Hockey.

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.

2016: Injury-Riddled Season

The 2016-17 season was marked by injuries for Bjugstad, including a broken hand and a lower body injury, leading to a career low in points since his rookie year.

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.

2019: Limited to 13 Games

During the 2019-20 season, Bjugstad was limited to only 13 games with the Penguins. He suffered a core-muscle injury in October, expecting to miss at least eight weeks.

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.

2020: Ruled Out for Season

In 2020, Bjugstad was ruled out for the remainder of the season due to injury when the NHL returned for the Stanley Cup playoffs.

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.