Observations:

April 2013 – Bjugstad has been selected to play for the U.S. at the 2013 World Championships in Stockholm and Helsinki this coming May. Team USA announced the first 15 names April 25^th, and given the lack of high quality forwards, it seems he may also get to see some serious minutes which can only bode well for next season. Nathan Kanter

April 2013 – Bjugstad made his NHL debut Friday night against the Caps after signing a three-year contract with the Panthers earlier in the week. Bjugstad played third line minutes with Quinton Howden and Jack Skille in the first two periods, but after falling behind 4-0, coach Kevin Dineen decided to mix up the lines and increased Bjugstad’s ice time in the third. The 20-year old center finished the game with one shot and three hits in just over 13 minutes of ice time. Though he looked out of place at times, particularly in the defensive zone, that is to be expected as he adjusts to a new team with an unfamiliar system. For fantasy purposes, the fact that Dineen gave Bjugstad key third period minutes bodes extremely well for the rookie’s future. Don’t be surprised if he gets some time on the top line with Huberdeau as early as this season, as Huberdeau has been playing the wing anyway. Nathan Kanter

March 2013 – As expected, the Panthers have signed Nick Bjugstad to a three-year entry-level contract, following the conclusion of the NCAA season. Look for Bjugstad to try and secure the second line center spot going into next year. Nathan Kanter

March 2013 - Bjugstad has been named an All-WCHA Third Team pick this season after scoring 20 goals and 15 assists for 35 points in 37 games. Look for him to once again be a leading force in getting the Gophers back to the Frozen Four, as he enters the playoffs with four goals and an assist in his past three games, including all three game winners. Nathan Kanter

August, 2012 - Since leading the Gophers to the Frozen Four in March, Bjugstad has made the decision to return to school for another year, and attended the Panthers Prospect Camp. Bjugstad made quite an impression at the camp, where he was arguably the best player and is now considered to be behind only Jonathan Huberdeau on Florida's list of top prospects.  Rich Dillon

February, 2012 – Bjugstad is enjoying a breakout sophomore season at the University of Minnesota, with 35 points in 29 games as of this writing.  Bjugstad has improved his positioning allowing him to use his quick release and accurate shot to score 21 times thus far in 2011-12. His package of size and skill has the Panthers excited at his arrival. Bjugstad also has the experience of two World Junior tournaments to his credit.

Fantasy Outlook: B+

Florida will likely push hard to sign Bjudstad following the NCAA season, and he has little left to prove there. The Panthers will provide Bjugstad ample opportunity to secure a scoring role, as soon as next year.

Footage:

Nick Bjugstad goal:

Fantasy Prospects Report Notes (Any FPR's released in the last 18 months will not be listed here):

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Nick Bjugstad statistics courtesy of Elite Prospects

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