In return, the Oilers will part with a third round draft pick. To make the money work, the Coyotes have retained 50% of Bjustad's contract, which is only for the remainder of this season at $900k.
Bjustad, at 30 years of age, is a solid bottom-six utility forward, able to play wing and centre. He's having an offensively resurgent year, already eclipsing the previous season's totals with 13 goals and 23 points in 59 games. He'll provide a responsible, physical, veteran presence in Edmonton's bottom six group.
The move comes just one day removed from the Oilers acquiring defenceman Mattias Ekholm, indicating that for the first time in McDavid's career, the Oilers are making an all-in bid to win the Stanley Cup. On the other hand, the Coyotes will become an even more embarrassing team, or rather, the NHL's acting bank and landfill.
