Edmonton Oilers acquire Nick Bjugstad from Arizona Coyotes

The Edmonton Oilers have acquired centre Nick Bjugstad from the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for a third-round draft pick and defensive prospect Michael Kesselring.

Bjugstad, 30, is a pending unrestricted free agent playing out a one-year deal valued at $900,000. The Coyotes are reportedly retaining 50 percent of his salary, though. 

Nick Bjugstad, acquired by EDM, is a bottom six two-way forward. #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/8JJORrJMup

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) March 2, 2023

In 59 games with the Coyotes this season, the 11-year veteran has amassed 23 points to go along with strong territorial results in a defensively-oriented role.

The Oilers have been connected to Bjugstad for some time now, and they finally made it happen. This move comes in a busy trade deadline week for general manager Ken Holland, who has already moved out Jesse Puljujärvi and added Mattias Ekholm in separate deals.