The New Jersey Devils made a strategic move on February 4, 2026, acquiring forward Nick Bjugstad from the St. Louis Blues just before the Olympic roster freeze. This trade was a calculated move to utilize the salary cap space created by the earlier trade that sent Ondrej Palat to the New York Islanders. The Devils acquired Bjugstad for a conditional fourth-round pick and minor-league player Thomas Bordeleau. Bjugstad, 33, has been a valuable addition to the Blues this season, contributing seven points in 35 games after signing as a free agent. His affordable cap hit of $1.75 million annually makes him a cost-effective addition to the Devils' roster, marking a significant step in their strategy to optimize their salary cap situation.
