I like Bjugstad but what has he seriously done to make you think he's a 1C...? He is going to give us the same production as Granlund (which is not a slight as I love Granny), but that isn't 1C production IMO. Also his herniated disc surgery is a huge red flag for the Wild.

Granlund is 5'10. Bjugstad is 6'6. He's a Minny native. He's a better pure goal scorer than any other Minny current center. He's younger than Granlund. He's on a cap friendly contract signed long term. Play the kid next Parise and Coyle and he puts up 25-30 goals. Spezza had herniated disc surgery and hasn't stopped him from being healthy the past 3 years since. He's put up decent numbers too.

Bjugstad is a value somewhere in between Brodin and Scandella in a vacuum. His back and concussion history are concerning.

Scandella/Ekblad should be a better combo than Brodin/Ekblad. Based on his time being Spurgeon's partner, and has more offensive upside (a wicked slapper). It could be a poor man's Weber/Josi type combo. Just my opinion.

Brodin's offensive game is worrisome as well. If he's not paired with an offensive defenseman, there little to no scoring from his line. He seriously needs to get over the 20 pt hump. Bjugstad's injury history isn't even that bad. Seems like any player who has had a concussion, has "concussion issues" now. Nearly every player in the league has had a concussion at some point in their career. The back surgery wasn't career threatening and many other players with similar procedures went on to play practically full seasons since their injury. From a Minny point of view this should be a no brainer IMO. No point in having 1 of Brodin, Scandella, Dumba, Spurgeon play 5-6 minutes next year. All 4 of them are top 4 dmen or at the very least on track to being one. (Dumba). Suter/Spurgeon and Scandella/Dumba make up clear top 4 position with handedness on the correct side. At center, Koivu isn't getting any younger. Granlund si talented but due to his size is better suited for 2nd line duty. No one else in the system is capable with the only exception being Coyle who personally i think is better suited on the wing.

Make no mistake about it, both teams are taking a risk but at least its an equal one.

As Fla are you looking for Right or Left side dman? If it's right side Brodin is the choice. If it's left side then Scandella is the choice (Brodin is average left dman, prefers rightside).

After Ekblad, Florida is weak on the right side so Brodin/Dumba/Spurgeon would be the preferred.