Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of www.mnhockeyhub.com
- Name: Nick Bjugstad
- Position: C
- Shoots: Right
- Height: 6-5
- Weight: 190 lbs
- Birthdate: 1992-07-17
- Eligible for Draft: 2010
- Drafted: 2010
- Hometown: Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Acquired: 1st round, (19th overall), 2010
- Playing In: NCAA
Nick Bjugstad
Prospect Grade: 7.5 C (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
2009-10: Played for Blaine High School in Minnesota. In 25 games, Bjugstad scored 29 goals with 31 and 60 PIM and was named Mr. Hockey as the top high school player in Minnesota. He played in 23 games for Team North West in the Minnesota High School Elite League prior to his high school season and scored 13 goals with eight assists in 23 games.
Watch this HF video of Nick Bjugstad from the 2010 NHL Draft
2010-11: Bjugstad bounced back from some early season struggles and a bout with mononucleosis to have a strong freshman season for the University of Minnesota. He also competed for the bronze medal-winning USA squad at the 2011 World Junior U-20 championship. In 29 games for the Gophers he scored 8 goals with 12 assists and was +1 with 51 PMs. Bjugstad played in all situations for the WCHA's fifth-place Gophers (16-14-6). Bjugstad played six games for Team USA at the WJC and scored 2 goals with 2 assists and was +2. Both of his goals were game-winners.
Talent Analysis
As freshman for Minnesota, Bjugstad was used extensively in all situations, including key penalty kills or power plays late in important games. He has high-end hockey sense that he displays at both ends of the ice. He has a strong wrist shot that he regularly puts on net. He has multiple tools for attacking the opposition, whether he is using his size to create traffic at the front of the net, controlling the powerplay from the halfboards, or pestering opposing players with his relentless forecheck. He uses his body well, both for physical play, puck protection, and positional play on defense. He is a agile skater for his size, though he has mostly average straight-line speed.
Future
Bjugstad will return to the University of Minnesota for his sophomore season, and should also play internationally for the USA Junior team. However, given his combination of size, abilities, and awareness, Panthers fans and foes alike will not have to wait long before they see Bjugstad in the NHL. He projects as a solid, two-way power forward who can shut down opponents and turn the tempo of a game.
Stats
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Profile Last Updated: October, 12th 2011
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