Bjugstad (upper body) is not expected back until the start of November, per Craig Morgan of ALLCITY Network on Tuesday.
Bjugstad figures to be a lock to start the season on long-term injured reserve considering he will be out of action for more than the required 10 games and 24 days. The absence of Bjugstad from the lineup should open up more minutes for both Logan Cooley and Alex Kerfoot. Additionally, Aku Raty could be in line to crack the 23-man roster thanks to the extra spot that will become available when Bjugstad hits LTIR.