Oilers: 3 Likely Free Agent Destinations for Nick Bjugstad

Cap space is very tight for the Edmonton Oilers this offseason which may force them to let Nick Bjugstad to hit free agency. After the solid performance for the team once he was acquired at the trade deadline, the veteran really showed how valuable he is and should get many suitors if he does become a free agent. Here’s a look at three teams who could very much use his services for the next couple seasons.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Bjugstad is seen as a third line player who can slot in at center or the wing. Last season the Pittsburgh Penguins had a horrible third line that stuck together for the better part of the season. Jamie McGinn was traded and Kasperi Kapanen was placed on waivers, leaving only Jeff Carter. The first two lines did their job just fine, but the third line was a big part of the reason why the team failed to qualify for the playoffs. By adding Bjugstad, that could change.

He adds size and a decent level of scoring for where he plays in the lineup. Last season Bjugstad scored 17 goals and 29 points, but spent the majority of the season on the Arizona Coyotes who didn’t score much. As his career has progressed, he has been trusted far more in the defensive end and that can be a great asset for the Penguins.

Colorado Avalanche

With the amount of pieces the Colorado Avalanche have to add, they will have to be conscious about money. Fortunately, Bjugstad won’t come at a ridiculous price. He should get just north of $2 million AAV on his next contract and would really help out the bottom-six that arguably needs the help the most in the NHL.

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While the Avalanche dealt with many injuries and bottom-six players were forced to move up last season, the depth was depleted and only hurt the team in the playoffs. Bjugstad scored three goals for the Oilers in the playoffs, which is three times more productive than the entire bottom-six of the Avalanche this season. It never hurts to have a veteran presence and someone coming into a new year with confidence in his game.

Vancouver Canucks

The Vancouver Canucks have some work to do when it comes to moving some contracts out and clearing cap space. Even when they do, there’s not going to be a ton to work with and the bottom-six needs some work. The team currently has Nils Aman and Sheldon Dries as their third and fourth centers and that needs an upgrade. Whether Bjugstad provides some support and a second center option on the third line beside Aman or entirely takes over the spot down the middle, he would provide hockey IQ, size, and experience where it’s needed.