Wild trade with Penguins for Minnesota native Nick Bjugstad

The Wild address their needs at center.

The Minnesota Wild have traded with the Pittsburgh Penguins to bring Blaine native Nick Bjugstad back to Minnesota.

The Wild are giving Pittsburgh a conditional pick in the 2021 NHL Entry draft in exchange for the 6'6" center.

The 28-year-old struggled during his two years in Pittsburgh and was hampered by injury last season, but put up 49 points during his final year at the Florida Panthers.

Center is a position Bill Guerin was looking to upgrade, with Mikko Koivu reportedly not returning in the 2020-21 season.

Bjugstad will give the Wild more depth alongside Eric Staal and Joel Eriksson Ek.

Sept. 11 update from Novak Weather