University of Minnesota Athletics
Photo by: REUTERS
Nick Bjugstad Acquired by Minnesota Wild
9/11/2020 7:38:00 PM | Men's Hockey
MINNEAPOLIS – Gopher Hockey All-American alum Nick Bjugstad will return to the State of Hockey after being acquired by the Minnesota Wild, the NHL club announced on Friday night after closing a deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
A native of Blaine, Minn., Bjugstad has played in 439 regular-season games in his eight-year NHL career for the Florida Panthers and the Pittsburgh Penguins with 207 career points (97 goals, 110 assists). The center has also skated in nine Stanley Cup playoff games in his career with four points (two goals, two assists). He recorded a career-high 49 points (19 goals, 30 assists) in 82 games during the 2017-18 season.
Bjugstad spent three seasons with the Maroon & Gold from 2010-13, recording 98 points (54 goals, 44 assists) in 109 career games. No Gopher tallied more goals in his time with the program while Bjugstad helped Minnesota to two NCAA tournament berths, one Frozen Four appearance and two WCHA regular-season conference championships – setting up Pride on Ice's NCAA record of six-straight conference titles. The forward earned Second Team All-America and All-WCHA First Team honors as a sophomore in 2011-12 with a career-high 42 points, 25 goals and 17 assists. He added All-WCHA Third Team accolades and served as an alternate captain in his final season with the Gophers in 2012-13. Minnesota led the nation in scoring in his final two collegiate seasons.
The Florida Panthers originally selected Bjugstad in the first round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft (19th overall). He previously spent three seasons skating as a prep at Blaine High School and was named the 2010 recipient of the Mr. Hockey Award, presented annually to the top boy's hockey senior in the state of Minnesota.
A native of Blaine, Minn., Bjugstad has played in 439 regular-season games in his eight-year NHL career for the Florida Panthers and the Pittsburgh Penguins with 207 career points (97 goals, 110 assists). The center has also skated in nine Stanley Cup playoff games in his career with four points (two goals, two assists). He recorded a career-high 49 points (19 goals, 30 assists) in 82 games during the 2017-18 season.
Bjugstad spent three seasons with the Maroon & Gold from 2010-13, recording 98 points (54 goals, 44 assists) in 109 career games. No Gopher tallied more goals in his time with the program while Bjugstad helped Minnesota to two NCAA tournament berths, one Frozen Four appearance and two WCHA regular-season conference championships – setting up Pride on Ice's NCAA record of six-straight conference titles. The forward earned Second Team All-America and All-WCHA First Team honors as a sophomore in 2011-12 with a career-high 42 points, 25 goals and 17 assists. He added All-WCHA Third Team accolades and served as an alternate captain in his final season with the Gophers in 2012-13. Minnesota led the nation in scoring in his final two collegiate seasons.
The Florida Panthers originally selected Bjugstad in the first round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft (19th overall). He previously spent three seasons skating as a prep at Blaine High School and was named the 2010 recipient of the Mr. Hockey Award, presented annually to the top boy's hockey senior in the state of Minnesota.
Follow Men's Hockey
Men's Hockey Tickets
Experience the excitement and tradition connecting generations of Gopher fans! Create memories for a lifetime with your friends and family while you root for your Golden Gophers. Get Tickets
Support Men's Hockey
Support the University of Minnesota Men's Hockey program. Your support helps our student-athletes succeed athletically, academically, and socially. It takes just seconds to make a monthly or one-time donation. Thank you for your support! Give Now
Highlights: Gophers 2, Notre Dame 3
Saturday, February 14
Highlights: Gophers 2, Notre Dame 2
Friday, February 13
Gopher Round Table: Men's Hockey
Thursday, February 12
Highlights: Gophers 2, Ohio State 6
Friday, February 06