Nick Bjugstad, Centre, Minnesota Gophers, Florida Panthers Prospect.

Scouting Report: The highly touted 6'6 foot, 220 pound centre was drafted 19th overall in the 2010 NHL entry draft by the Florida Panthers. He played for Blaine High School in Minnesota, scoring 35 goals along with 34 assists in 30 games. Prior to his high school season he played for Team North West in the MHSEL, he tallied 13 goals and 8 assists within 23 games. In his first season with the Gophers, he tallied 8 goals along with 12 assists in 29 games. He was selected to play in the WJC, where he scored twice, grabbing two assists on the way for a total of 4 points in 6 games. In his sophomore season with the Gophers, Bjugstad tallied 25 goals along with 17 assists, a breakout season for the big centerman. He also had a plus/minus of 21. Bjugstad again played in the WJC where he improved his goal total from 2 to 4. Achieving a total of 6 points in 6 games. A few months ago he chose to stay with the Gophers for one more season. Bjugstad is interesting, he has different skill sets which allow him to play in different situations. He has the skills to be a playmaker, a power forward, or a sniper. He can play on the penalty kill, the power play, and key moments in the game. Bjugstad posses a heavy shot along with working well in traffic, he also posses a strong wrist shot that usually ends up in the net. He has great vision which allows him to make tricky passes in traffic, and creates space due to his large frame. Bjugstad can create traffic in front of the net, and impacts on the forecheck. His biggest impact is his outstanding hockey sense, defensively and offensively.  He is very physical on both ends of the ice and uses his body well for positional play and puck protection along the boards. Bjugstad carries an outstanding two way game, where he can control the power play and penalty kill. He has all the tools a team wants in a centre, players like Bjugstad do not come around often. He is a fast skater for his size and will continue to develop.


Comparables:
Jordan Staal. Ryan Kesler

Potential:
A

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