Talent Analysis

As freshman for Minnesota, Bjugstad was used extensively in all situations, including key penalty kills or power plays late in important games. He has high-end hockey sense that he displays at both ends of the ice. He has a strong wrist shot that he regularly puts on net. He has multiple tools for attacking the opposition, whether he is using his size to create traffic at the front of the net, controlling the powerplay from the halfboards, or pestering opposing players with his relentless forecheck. He uses his body well, both for physical play, puck protection, and positional play on defense. He is a agile skater for his size, though he has mostly average straight-line speed.
Future

Bjugstad will return to the University of Minnesota for his sophomore season, and should also play internationally for the USA Junior team. However, given his combination of size, abilities, and awareness, Panthers fans and foes alike will not have to wait long before they see Bjugstad in the NHL. He projects as a solid, two-way power forward who can shut down opponents and turn the tempo of a game.