What's Happening?
The St. Louis Blues have announced the acquisition of forward Thomas Bordeleau and a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft from the New Jersey Devils. In exchange, the Blues have traded forward Nick Bjugstad to the Devils. Bordeleau, who has been playing for the AHL's Utica Comets, will report to the Blues' AHL affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds. Bordeleau, a 24-year-old from Houston, Texas, has played 196 career AHL games, accumulating 115 points. He has also appeared in 44 NHL games with the San Jose Sharks. Bjugstad, 33, joined the Blues as a free agent last July and has played 35 games this season, scoring seven points.
Why It's Important?
This trade reflects the Blues' strategy to strengthen their roster by acquiring younger talent and future
draft assets. Bordeleau's addition could provide depth to the Blues' AHL team and potentially bolster their NHL lineup in the future. The conditional draft pick offers the Blues flexibility in future team-building efforts. For the Devils, acquiring Bjugstad adds experience to their roster, which could be beneficial for their current season objectives. This move indicates both teams' focus on balancing immediate needs with long-term planning.
What's Next?
Bordeleau will join the Springfield Thunderbirds, where his performance will be closely monitored by the Blues' management. The team will assess his development and potential contribution to the NHL squad. Meanwhile, the Blues will continue to evaluate their roster as they approach the Olympic break, aiming to improve their performance and end their current losing streak. The Devils will integrate Bjugstad into their lineup, expecting his experience to contribute positively to their ongoing season.
