The Columbus Blue Jackets are heading into the 2025 offseason with one thing clear: it’s time to surround their young core with veteran leadership and proven NHL experience. After another frustrating season outside the playoff picture, the pressure is mounting on the front office to bring in players who not only contribute on the ice, but help shape a winning culture in the locker room. That’s where veteran center Nick Bjugstad enters the conversation — a name that may not generate blockbuster buzz, but could prove to be a brilliant addition to a team in transition.
Nick Bjugstad is exactly the type of player the Blue Jackets should be targeting this summer. A 6’6” center with a powerful presence, Bjugstad has reinvented his career in recent seasons by embracing a two-way, responsible game and thriving in depth roles. With the Arizona Coyotes and more recently with the Minnesota Wild, Bjugstad carved out a niche as a reliable third-line center who can win faceoffs, kill penalties, chip in timely goals, and mentor young teammates. Those are qualities Columbus has sorely lacked, especially with a lineup full of high-skill youngsters still learning how to win at the NHL level.
For the Jackets, the center depth has been a major point of concern. While Adam Fantilli is blossoming into a franchise cornerstone, and players like Cole Sillinger and Dmitri Voronkov continue their development, the lack of veteran insulation down the middle has been glaring. Bringing in Bjugstad would instantly add structure to the bottom-six while taking pressure off the team’s youngest pivots. He’s not going to score 30 goals or lead the team in points, but he’ll do the dirty work — battle along the boards, lead by example, and bring a level of consistency that coaches can rely on night after night.
Beyond the stats, Bjugstad’s reputation around the league is that of a true professional. He’s known for being a positive voice in the room, a player who holds himself and others accountable, and someone who leads without needing to wear a letter. For a Columbus team that has seen its share of locker room issues in recent years, including coaching controversies and leadership voids, a player like Bjugstad can quietly become one of the most important signings of the summer.
Financially, Bjugstad is a very manageable target. His cap hit with Arizona was under $2.5 million, and he’s not expected to command much more given his age and role. That kind of low-risk, high-reward contract allows the Blue Jackets to stay flexible, pursue other needs, and maintain space for future re-signings. With a smart front office and a clear need for exactly what Bjugstad brings, this is a perfect marriage waiting to happen.
And don’t sleep on the possibility of Bjugstad exceeding expectations in a new environment. He’s shown flashes of offensive potential in the past, and with the right linemates, he could surprise a few people. But even if he doesn’t fill the stat sheet, his impact will be felt in faceoff wins, defensive-zone starts, penalty kills, and the mentorship of a young, evolving roster.
As the 2025 free agency period approaches, keep a close eye on Nick Bjugstad. He may not make the front page of Sportsnet or dominate TSN trade boards, but if the Blue Jackets are serious about taking a step forward — both on the ice and in the culture of the team — Bjugstad might just be one of the smartest signings they could make. He’s the kind of player that winning teams always seem to have. Maybe it’s time Columbus finally becomes one of those teams