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Florida Panthers: Nick Bjugstads Crucial 2017-18 Season

By Daniel Janicas

Dec 16, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Florida Panthers center Nick Bjugstad (27) attempts a shot on goal in the third period against the Colorado Avalanche at Pepsi Center. The Panthers defeated the Avalanche Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 16, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Florida Panthers center Nick Bjugstad (27) attempts a shot on goal in the third period against the Colorado Avalanche at Pepsi Center. The Panthers defeated the Avalanche Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nick Bjugstad experienced another injured season yet again. Keeping “big Nick” healthy will allow him to rediscover his old self again.

Nick Bjugstad was honestly disappointing this season. Part of the reason he missed the beginning of the season was dated back to him breaking his hand in pre-season. This was the last thing Nick needed going into the season. Bjugstad has had issues with injuries before and adding a broken hand to the list didn’t help matters either.

Apart from injuries, soft play has been another flaw shown in Bjugstad’s game. There has been countless amounts of times this year where big Nick has been too soft on the puck and has been outmuscled with ease. Bjugstad is 6’6 in height, there is no reason why he should be getting beat or outmuscled to the puck. It’s simple, when Nick moves his feet, he outmuscles and beats his opponents to the puck. As long as Bjugstad does the little things then he should be fine going forward.

Statistically speaking, Nick Bjugstad’s numbers have regressed over the past couple of seasons. Looking strictly at this season that just finished, Nick ended with 7G, 7A, and 14P through 54 games played. Yes, a lot of you are going to mention the fact that he played with Paul Thompson throughout some of the year, but he was then paired with Jonathan Marchessault and Thomas Vanek once the team was fully healthy. Regardless though, Nick needs to hit the 10 goal mark at the very least, no matter who’s he playing with and at what time.

Nick’s best season to date was the 2014-15 season in which he tallied 24G, 19A, and 43P all together. That year, Nick’s CF% was 50.4%, 2nd highest since he’s been in the league. This years CF% went down to 45.9%. Nick’s issue is that he doesn’t get enough shots off to the net. When Nick uses his big frame to generate space for himself to use, that is when he’s at his best. His CF% number doesn’t bother me, but does indicate that Nick will need to start getting more shots to the net.

Next: Florida Panthers: Need A Healthy Aleksander Barkov For 2017-18 Season

Nick needs to come back fresh next season both mentally and physically. The past couple of seasons have been a poor indication on what Nick is really about. When he’s on his game, Nick is a nightmare to cover while in the slot, along with defending him 1 on 1. Next season, Bjugstad will have proper line mates to play with and develop immediate chemistry with. There will be no more excuses of playing with players below his level (IE: Paul Thompson), and it will be up to Nick on whether he can turn his game around.

The Florida Panthers need Nick Bjugstad to regain his confidence and hard style of play. When Nick is scoring and causing problems in the opponents defensive zone, that’s when the Cats are at full force. Bjugstad is an important player to the Panthers and fills a big role on the third line. This upcoming season will be Nick’s final chance to prove his worth. If Nick displays another disappointing season, then he may be shipped out via trade. For Nick’s sake and our sake, let’s hope that he regains his true style of play and remains with the Cats for a long time.

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