The Blues have traded Nick Bjugstad to the Devils in a deal that also involves a conditional 2026 fourth-round pick and Thomas Bordeleau. The move comes with less than an hour remaining before the league-wide trade moratorium, which will last through the Olympic break. With only 12 days left before the trade deadline, the teams are making the most of the remaining time. Bjugstad, a 33-year-old center, has had a challenging season due to injuries, playing only 35 games with 6 goals and 1 assist. However, he has been a key player for the Blues' fourth line, controlling 54.2% of expected goals and winning 51.1% of his faceoffs. The Blues are looking to trade tertiary pieces for futures, and Bjugstad's contract, which runs until next season, makes him an attractive option. The Devils, on the other hand, are in need of center depth, with Jack Hughes and Cody Glass missing significant time. Their fourth line has struggled offensively, and Bjugstad is expected to provide a more effective goal-scoring presence. Thomas Bordeleau, a 24-year-old center, was acquired by the Devils in the trade. He has had a disappointing season in the AHL, scoring just two goals and eight points in 35 games. Juho Lammikko, a forward, was also reassigned to the AHL Utica, but he doesn't need waivers as he cleared them on January 17. The trade was first reported by podcaster and former NHLer Jordan Schmaltz, and later confirmed by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.
