The Blues added size and depth down the middle of their roster by signing veteran Nick Bjugstad to a two-year contract with a $1.75 million cap hit on Tuesday afternoon.
Bjugstad had eight goals and 11 assists in 66 games for Utah last season, but was just one season removed from a 45-point season with Arizona in 2023-24. Bjugstad turns 33 on July 17 and was originally a first-round pick of the Panthers in 2010.
Last season, the right-handed Bjugstad averaged 12:19 of ice time and did not play on the power play or the penalty kill. Bjugstad is listed at 6-5 and 205 pounds.
With Bjugstad signed, the Blues appear to have their four centers aligned for the start of the NHL season: Robert Thomas, Brayden Schenn, Oskar Sundqvist and Bjugstad.
Blues free agent center Radek Faksa hit the open market on Tuesday.
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In today’s 10 AM “Ten Hochman” video, Ben Hochman honors Alex Pietrangelo, who is stepping away from hockey for physical health reasons. Plus, a happy birthday shoutout to Michael Wacha! And as always, Hochman picks a random Cards card out of the hat!
Ten Hochman: Honoring Blues legend Alex Pietrangelo, who’s stepping away from hockey
