3 Potential Landing Spots For Utah's Nick Bjugstad

Nick Bjugstad is a UFA this summer and there hasn't been much in the way of him re-signing. The likely outcome here is a change in teams as Utah goes in a different direction in either free agency or with their younger talent. If that's the case, these are three teams where Bjugstad could end up playing for next season.

Colorado Avalanche

The Colorado Avalanche got eliminated from the playoffs earlier than many expected and there has to be some changes in the offseason. Brock Nelson will sign elsewhere and there is a hole to fill down the middle. Bjugstad is not a top-6 center, that's not what I'm insinuating, but the Avalanche do need another bottom-6 player who can play center to step in. Whether it be pushing Ross Colton over to the wing, bumping Jack Drury up in the lineup, or playing on the wing himself, Bjugstad is a solid playoff performer and plays a big game.

Columbus Blue Jackets

If the Columbus Blue Jackets were to target Bjugstad, it would be for a fourth line center role. I see him as a veteran who can move into that fourth line role moving forward after going from 22 goals and 45 points to eight goals and 19 points. He definitely needs a new team to play for and the younger Blue Jackets could use a veteran like him to play at the bottom of their lineup. It would also allow a little more time for Luca Del Bel Belluz and Jack Williams to get acclimated before stepping into a full time role.

Florida Panthers

A reunion of Bjugstad and the Florida Panthers could be in order as the team is going to have to look externally for a replacement at center in the bottom-6. I think Nico Sturm could either stay in his fourth line center role that he has played so well in or move up as Anton Lundell moves up to the second line. This is all due to Sam Bennett likely heading to free agency. Bjugstad as the fourth line center on the team that drafted him in the first round 15 years ago could be a nice ending to his career...or a resurgence.