New Jersey Devils add depth with Nick Bjugstad trade
The veteran pivot will serve as an upgrade over Luke Glendening on the 4th line.
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The same day I wrote big changes were inevitable, the New Jersey Devils acquired a 6’6’, 210-pound pivot. Coincidence? I think not!
Of course, I am referring to the trade that sent Thomas Bordeleau and a conditional 4th round pick to the St. Louis Blues for veteran forward Nick Bjugstad.
The Blues will get the lesser of the three 4th rounders they own in this year’s draft.
On the surface, it is a little odd for a team well outside of a playoff spot – and a GM who may not be around much longer – to be trading futures, however minor they are, for a 33-year-old player.
However, this deal does make some sense.
The Devils have long lacked depth down the middle and Bjugstad is a noticeable upgrade over Luke Glendening. Low bar, I know, but Bjugstad is at least serviceable whereas Glendening is not.
Bjugstad owns a WAR/82 of +0.8 this season — miles ahead of Luke Glendening (-1.5 WAR/82). There is a noticeable difference, as better exemplified by their player cards.
