Last Updated on November 10, 2026 by Carmen Marins

Nick Bjugstad is an American professional ice hockey player who plays as a forward for the Winnipeg Jets in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on July 17, 1992, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Bjugstad comes from a family with a strong connection to hockey.
Unlike many professional athletes who keep their family lives entirely private, Bjugstad has publicly discussed his wife, children, and parents. He is married to Jackie Bjugstad, a teacher, and the couple has three daughters named Layla, Lucy, and Ciela.
His parents are Mike and Janeen Bjugstad, while his older sister is identified in public reporting as Abbie Bjugstad. Nick also has a famous uncle, Scott Bjugstad, who previously played in the NHL.
Here is everything publicly known about Nick Bjugstad’s family, including his wife, children, parents, siblings, and upbringing.
Nick Bjugstad’s Wife: Meet Jackie Bjugstad
Nick Bjugstad is married to Jackie Bjugstad, who has been a supportive presence throughout his professional hockey career.
Jackie has worked as a teacher, including as a kindergarten teacher. Her background in education has also influenced Nick’s involvement in charitable initiatives supporting children and schools.
Although the couple has not widely publicized their wedding date or the circumstances surrounding their relationship’s beginning, their marriage has been acknowledged in official NHL publications and interviews.
Throughout Nick’s career, Jackie has supported him during numerous professional transitions, including his time with the Florida Panthers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Minnesota Wild, Arizona Coyotes, Edmonton Oilers, and Utah Hockey Club.
The couple has also spoken about the challenges and rewards of raising children while managing the demanding schedule of professional hockey.
In a 2024 interview published by NHL.com, Bjugstad explained that his wife’s experience as a teacher encouraged his participation in educational outreach programs.
His involvement in the Coyotes Reading Program and his Goals 4 Kids initiative reflected the couple’s shared interest in children’s development.
Jackie has also been featured in family photographs alongside Nick and their daughters.
Nick Bjugstad’s Children: Meet His Three Daughters
Nick Bjugstad and his wife, Jackie, have three daughters: Layla, Lucy, and Ciela Bjugstad.
The children have occasionally appeared in interviews and photographs featuring the hockey player and his family.
A Utah Hockey Club media guide identified the couple’s three daughters, while a family feature published by ALLCITY Network also included a photograph of Nick, Jackie, and their children.
Layla Bjugstad: Nick Bjugstad’s Oldest Daughter
Layla Bjugstad is Nick and Jackie’s oldest daughter.
She was born in March 2019 and became an important part of her father’s life while he was playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Nick spent additional time at home with his family and celebrated Layla’s first birthday through a virtual gathering.
He spoke about enjoying significant milestones in her development, including watching her learn to walk.
One particularly meaningful detail is that Bjugstad wore jersey number 17 while playing for Utah to honor the date of his oldest daughter’s birthday.
Lucy Bjugstad: Nick Bjugstad’s Second Daughter
Lucy Bjugstad is the couple’s second daughter.
She was born in September 2020, shortly before Nick was traded from the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Minnesota Wild.
Her arrival marked another important milestone for the family.
At the time, Bjugstad was preparing for a new chapter in his NHL career, returning to his home state to play for Minnesota.
In March 2023, Nick spoke about traveling with his wife and two young daughters while playing for the Edmonton Oilers.
He recalled taking the girls to West Edmonton Mall, where he had participated in a youth hockey tournament years earlier.
Ciela Bjugstad: Nick Bjugstad’s Youngest Daughter
Ciela Bjugstad is the youngest publicly documented child of Nick and Jackie Bjugstad. Her name is also spelled Ciella in some media coverage.
Her arrival was highlighted in a family feature about Utah Hockey Club players welcoming newborn children.
During the interview, Nick discussed how becoming a father had changed his perspective and explained that experienced parents within the team often offered advice to younger teammates.
He also acknowledged the significant responsibilities that mothers take on when raising young children.
Family photographs published during his time in Utah showed Nick and Jackie alongside their three daughters.
Nick Bjugstad’s Parents: Meet Mike and Janeen Bjugstad
Nick Bjugstad was born to Mike Bjugstad and Janeen Bjugstad in Minnesota.
His parents helped shape his childhood, particularly his interest in hockey and his determination to become a professional athlete.
Nick Bjugstad’s Father: Mike Bjugstad
Nick Bjugstad’s father, Mike Bjugstad, is a former college ice hockey player.
Mike played hockey at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and later became actively involved in his son’s development.
Nick has explained that his father introduced him to skating when he was very young.
In a 2012 interview with the Star Tribune, Mike recalled buying his son double-bladed skates when Nick was approximately two and a half years old.
Before Nick became comfortable skating on ice, Mike allowed him to practice walking around the family’s house while wearing the skates.
Mike subsequently coached Nick through several levels of youth hockey, from approximately ages four to twelve.
His experience as a player helped him provide technical advice and encouragement throughout Nick’s development.
Although Mike could be demanding as a coach, Nick has publicly expressed appreciation for his father’s involvement and sacrifices.
The two also share an interest in fishing, an activity they enjoyed together during family visits while Nick played in Florida.
Nick Bjugstad’s Mother: Janeen Bjugstad
Nick Bjugstad’s mother is Janeen Bjugstad.
Janeen helped raise Nick in Minnesota and provided emotional support throughout his youth hockey career.
According to a 2012 Star Tribune profile, she was particularly attentive to Nick’s feelings after difficult games.
While his father emphasized hockey development and competitiveness, Janeen offered encouragement and reassurance.
She recognized Nick’s athletic potential during childhood, even when he was still physically developing.
Nick also inherited much of his family’s height from his mother’s side, which includes several unusually tall relatives.
Her support contributed to his development into a successful high school, college, and eventually NHL player.
Janeen has generally maintained a private life outside occasional public appearances and stories involving her son.
Nick Bjugstad’s Siblings: Meet His Older Sister Abbie Bjugstad
Nick Bjugstad has an older sister named Abbie Bjugstad, according to published family reporting.
Unlike Nick, Abbie pursued a professional career outside competitive ice hockey.
Abbie Bjugstad: Nick Bjugstad’s Older Sister
Abbie Bjugstad grew up in Minnesota alongside her younger brother Nick.
According to a 2023 Players Bio report, she is approximately two years older than the NHL forward.
Abbie studied marketing and communications at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
After completing her education, she pursued opportunities in business, marketing, and technology.
Her professional experience reportedly included working in the Netherlands before returning to the United States.
She has also been associated with the Star Tribune, a major Minnesota newspaper.
Despite choosing different professional paths, Abbie and Nick have maintained a family relationship.
Published accounts have described Abbie attending family activities and spending time with her brother, sister-in-law, and nieces.
No additional siblings have been reliably identified in the sources reviewed.
Nick Bjugstad’s Uncle: Former NHL Player Scott Bjugstad
Another notable member of Nick Bjugstad’s family is his uncle, Scott Bjugstad.
Scott is a former professional ice hockey player who played for the University of Minnesota before entering the NHL.
During his professional career, he represented the Minnesota North Stars, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Los Angeles Kings.
Scott also represented the United States at the 1984 Winter Olympics.
He played an important role in Nick’s hockey development, particularly in helping him improve his shooting technique.
Scott’s professional experience provided Nick with another source of guidance as he pursued his own NHL ambitions.
Both uncle and nephew eventually played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, although in different eras.
The family’s hockey background therefore extends beyond Nick and his father, making the Bjugstad family notable within Minnesota hockey history.
Nick Bjugstad’s Childhood and Family Background
Nick Bjugstad grew up in Blaine, Minnesota, a community with a strong hockey tradition.
He attended Blaine High School, where he established himself as one of Minnesota’s most promising young players.
His father introduced him to hockey, while his uncle helped develop his skills.
Nick spent considerable time playing outdoors with neighborhood friends, taking advantage of local skating facilities and outdoor rinks.
In 2010, he received the prestigious Minnesota Mr. Hockey Award after an outstanding high school season.
That same year, the Florida Panthers selected him in the first round of the NHL Draft with the 19th overall pick.
He subsequently attended the University of Minnesota, where he continued his development before beginning his NHL career.
His professional journey has taken him through several NHL organizations, including a move to the Winnipeg Jets in October 2026.
Throughout those experiences, his wife, children, parents, and extended family have remained important parts of his personal story.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nick Bjugstad’s Family
Who is Nick Bjugstad’s wife?
Nick Bjugstad is married to Jackie Bjugstad, who has worked as a teacher. The couple has three daughters together.
Does Nick Bjugstad have a girlfriend?
Nick Bjugstad is married, so Jackie Bjugstad is his wife rather than his girlfriend.
How many children does Nick Bjugstad have?
Nick Bjugstad has three publicly documented children, all daughters.
What are Nick Bjugstad’s daughters’ names?
His daughters are named Layla, Lucy, and Ciela Bjugstad.
Who are Nick Bjugstad’s parents?
His parents are Mike Bjugstad and Janeen Bjugstad. His father previously played college hockey at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
Does Nick Bjugstad have siblings?
Yes. Public reporting identifies an older sister named Abbie Bjugstad.
Does Nick Bjugstad have a brother?
No brother has been identified in reliable public family reports. His publicly documented sibling is his older sister, Abbie.
Is Nick Bjugstad related to Scott Bjugstad?
Yes. Scott Bjugstad is Nick’s uncle. He formerly played in the NHL and represented the United States at the 1984 Winter Olympics.
Where is Nick Bjugstad’s family from?
Nick Bjugstad’s family is from Minnesota. He grew up in Blaine, a suburb of Minneapolis.
Combining a deep passion for hockey with an analytical mindset, Carmen Marins covers the NHL from the opening night of the season all the way through the Stanley Cup playoffs. She focuses on game strategy, team chemistry, trade deadline updates, and player performance metrics, breaking down high-speed ice action into engaging, accessible insights for readers.
