Panthers sign forward Nick Bjugstad to six-year extenstion

The Panthers have signed forward Nick Bjugstad to a six-year contract extension.

The Florida Panthers continue to make the right moves in pointing their franchise in the right direction.

First, it was bringing back veteran goaltender Roberto Luongo last year to solidify their goaltending, Then, it was choosing Aaron Ekblad in this past year’s draft, who will be their franchise defenseman and a stud in the NHL. Now, it’s locking up arguably their best young forward for the next six years.

According to reports, the Florida Panthers have signed 22 year-old forward Nick Bjugstad to a six-year contract extension worth approximately $24.6 million, or $4.1 million per year.

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It is a well deserved reward for the young forward, as he has arguably been the Panthers best forward for the past two seasons. Last season, Bjugstad led all Panthers in goals with 16, and points with 38 in 76 games. This season, so far, he is doing even better. Through 34 games so far this season, Bjugstad is almost matching his totals from last season. He has 13 goals and 21 points through 34 games this season, both lead the team in their respective categories.

It shows how bad the Panthers struggled for offense last season, as their leading scorer was a 21/22 year-old with only 38 points. When your leading scorer on your team only has 38 points, you know you have an issue. It shows how important Bjugstad is to the franchise though. He, along with fellow first-round picks Jonathan Huberdeau and Alexander Barkov, will continue to improve and be a part of the solution in Florida. They have already shown much improvement this season at both ends of the ice.

Bjugstad is a former first round pick of the Florida Panthers back in 2010. He is currently in the final year of his three-year, entry level contract that saw him earn approximately $1.1 million per year. Not a bad pay raise for a 22 year-old kid.

I’m sure the Florida Panthers organization is very happy with this contract. Bjugstad is on pace for a 30 goals season and if he can continue to score at that pace during the duration of this contract, as well as put up 50-60 points per season, this is a steal of a contact for the Panthers. It shows faith from both sides, the Panthers’ belief that Bjugstad can be a huge player for them and Bjugstad’s faith that the Panthers organization will do right by him and that he wants to be part of the solution.

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