Observations:

February 2014 – Bjugstad now has 23 points in 52 games in his rookie NHL season. It’s clear now what all the hype was about as his rare combination of size and skill have been displayed at times at the NHL level already. His ice-time has actually steadily declined as the season has gone on but his point totals haven’t wavered with eight points in his last 14. Depending on the prospect games limit in your league, it may be best to keep him in the minors as late as possible, as the he will only get better with more NHL experience. Right now don’t expect much more than a point every two games with about 15-16 minutes of ice per game. It’s clear though he isn’t going anywhere. Nathan Kanter

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December 2013 – Bjugstad has 11 points in 25 games for the Panthers so far this season. He is still seeing significant ice-time as he played a season-high 19:50 last game against the Hawks. Nathan Kanter

November 2013 – Bjugstad has been a rare bright spot on an abysmal Florida team and he has the new coaching staff to thank. Before Peter Horachek took over, Bjugstad was used sparingly and had just three points in 10 games (skating just over 12 minutes per game in those games). After Kevin Dineen was let go, Bjugstad immediately saw minutes in all situations, to the tune of almost 18 and a half minutes per night and has four points in five games to show for it. Activate him while he’s hot. He’s here to stay but don’t expect point-per-game numbers for too long. Nathan Kanter

October 2013 – Bjugstad suffered a concussion in the Prospects Tournament in early September and is still not healthy enough to play so was placed on IR to start the season. Once he is 100%, he will almost certainly start with the Rampage in the AHL. Still tons of upside here, but the concussion is not good news. A longer wait, but Florida’s possible top-six combinations a few years down the road look quite intriguing and he will very much be a part of it. Nathan Kanter

May 2013 – Unfortunately Bjugstad was not used quite as one would have expected at the World Championships, receiving roughly 9 and a half minutes of ice time per game as Team USA won the bronze medal. He recorded two assists and was a minus-2, playing on a line with fellow youngster Danny Kristo and Aaron Palushaj. Still, the experience was certainly valuable for the 20 year-old, who should certainly see increased ice-time with the Panthers this coming fall. Nathan Kanter

April 2013 – Bjugstad has been selected to play for the U.S. at the 2013 World Championships in Stockholm and Helsinki this coming May. Team USA announced the first 15 names April 25^th, and given the lack of high quality forwards, it seems he may also get to see some serious minutes which can only bode well for next season. Nathan Kanter

April 2013 – Bjugstad made his NHL debut Friday night against the Caps after signing a three-year contract with the Panthers earlier in the week. Bjugstad played third line minutes with Quinton Howden and Jack Skille in the first two periods, but after falling behind 4-0, coach Kevin Dineen decided to mix up the lines and increased Bjugstad’s ice time in the third. The 20-year old center finished the game with one shot and three hits in just over 13 minutes of ice time. Though he looked out of place at times, particularly in the defensive zone, that is to be expected as he adjusts to a new team with an unfamiliar system. For fantasy purposes, the fact that Dineen gave Bjugstad key third period minutes bodes extremely well for the rookie’s future. Don’t be surprised if he gets some time on the top line with Huberdeau as early as this season, as Huberdeau has been playing the wing anyway. Nathan Kanter

March 2013 – As expected, the Panthers have signed Nick Bjugstad to a three-year entry-level contract, following the conclusion of the NCAA season. Look for Bjugstad to try and secure the second line center spot going into next year. Nathan Kanter

March 2013 – Bjugstad has been named an All-WCHA Third Team pick this season after scoring 20 goals and 15 assists for 35 points in 37 games. Look for him to once again be a leading force in getting the Gophers back to the Frozen Four, as he enters the playoffs with four goals and an assist in his past three games, including all three game winners. Nathan Kanter

August 2012 – Since leading the Gophers to the Frozen Four in March, Bjugstad has made the decision to return to school for another year, and attended the Panthers Prospect Camp. Bjugstad made quite an impression at the camp, where he was arguably the best player and is now considered to be behind only Jonathan Huberdeau on Florida’s list of top prospects. Rich Dillon

February 2012 – Bjugstad is enjoying a breakout sophomore season at the University of Minnesota, with 35 points in 29 games as of this writing.  Bjugstad has improved his positioning allowing him to use his quick release and accurate shot to score 21 times thus far in 2011-12. His package of size and skill has the Panthers excited at his arrival. Bjugstad also has the experience of two World Junior tournaments to his credit. Rich Dillon

Fantasy Outlook: B+

When healthy he should have the opportunity to secure a scoring role this season. His size and finish ooze of goal scoring potential but needs to work on skating.

Footage:

Bjugstad snipe on Ryan Miller:

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Bjugstad goal from his College days:

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Buy the latest Fantasy Prospects Report here.

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