After an injury-plagued 2016-17 season, Nick Bjugstad was looking to bounce-back the following year, striving for greater results with the Florida Panthers.
Nick Bjugstad’s career with the Florida Panthers hasn’t been great the last couple of seasons. Between the injuries, level of inconsistency, and demotion down to the third line, big Nick just hasn’t been able to get the ball rolling in terms of results. But there was one coach who would give Nick the opportunity to exceed, at that would be none other than the Panthers’ latest head coach: Bob Boughner.
Bjugstad was slow to start the 2017-18 campaign, struggling to find his footing. He was placed on the third line for the majority of the first half, playing with the likes of Jared McCann, Connor Brickley, and Denis Malgin at times. While the start to the season may have not been the start Nick was looking for, a sudden change in the top 6 would later come, and one that would include Nick Bjugstad.
As soon as Boughner decided to split the first line up, big Nick was unexpectedly placed on the top line with Aleksander Barkov and Evgeni Dadonov. In result of this change, Bjugstad ended 2017-18 with 19G, 30A, combining for 49 points altogether. His 49 points was best for a career-high, as well as his 30 assists.
Surrounding Nick with talented teammates further proved that when you supply Nick with the fundamental needs to be successful, he’ll run away with it and flourish. The 2017-18 campaign brought some life back to Nick Bjugstad’s career, simply allowing him to play enjoyable hockey. His confidence, which he lacked in previous years, was instantly regained, along with his scoring touch in front of goal.
Apart from his rejuvenated confidence, it’s worth noting that because of his strong closure to the 2017-18 season, Bjugstad’s trade value has gone up, further indicating that if the Panthers needed to sweeten the pot in a deal for a top 6 winger, they could easily throw the Minnesota native into the mix. But in regards to Nick’s future with the Cats, it should be said that if the deal doesn’t fetch a top 6 winger, Bjugstad should really have no business being traded.
While he’s failed to produce in previous years, consider the situations that he’s been placed in. Playing with wingers (and even centermans) who are borderline 3rd line players isn’t a recipe for success when dealing with Nick Bjugstad. If we’re realistic, we know that Nick isn’t a player who will necessarily make others around him better, but it’s a known fact that in order for him to produce and succeed, he needs talented and legitimate linemates to play with (which he hasn’t had for a while).
Moving forward into next year, it’s critical for Florida to put Nick into the top 6, especially if they don’t acquire another top 6 winger this summer. Whether it’s on the first or second line, Bjugstad can still serve as a serviceable winger/centerman, which adds to the Panthers’ scoring options and depth.
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By no means should Nick Bjugstad be listed as ‘untradeable,’ but if the right deal comes around that makes the Florida Panthers better instantly, the trigger should be pulled, regardless of whether Bjugstad is in the deal or not. If, for some reason, a deal doesn’t materialize for another scoring winger, big Nick should certainly be kept at all costs, seeing he’s back to his best, and his current best isn’t in store for what’s to come!