Twenty one summers prior, Scott Bjugstad signed with the Kings after spending one season with the Pittsburgh Penguins. While he scored only five goals over the next three years in Los Angeles, it still allowed him entry into a very small club - players who could say they were teammates with Mario Lemieux and Wayne Gretzky.
Two decades later, as the first round of this year's NHL draft reached pick #15, Nick Bjugstad was still available. Scott's nephew could possibly be taken by his former team at #19...he just needed to survive four more picks.
Then, there was a buzz on the floor at Staples Center, followed by the Commissioner announcing a trade. The Kings had worked a deal to acquire Florida's #15 selection. Had Dean Lombardi just traded up to take the 6'5" center?
No, he ended up taking another defenseman - Derek Forbort. However, in a twist of irony, Nick Bjugstad was taken by the Florida Panthers in the #19 slot, the one originally owned by the Kings.
Adding to the confusion, Nick says "After the draft I heard from several people that thought I was taken by the Kings, instead of selected in the spot the Kings traded out of. And some other people I know thought I was traded to LA right after I was drafted. It was a little crazy at first."
That June weekend was just another of the many high points Nick has experienced this year. A few months prior he won the 'Mr. Hockey' Award as the top player in the state of Minnesota. Just a few weeks ago he was one of the stars at the Team USA evaluation camp for the upcoming World Jr Championships. And next month he'll start classes at the University of Minnesota, his dream school.
In the interview below he opens up, taking us on a journey from his early days on the ice to his whirlwind summer. There's another Bjugstad headed to the NHL soon...so, get to know Nick...
As you look back now to those early days, what's the most vivid memory that really stands out in your mind?
