Nick Bjugstad is headed back to the injured reserve, the Florida Panthers announced on Saturday.

The news comes after the forward was forced from Friday's contest against the Nashville Predators with a suspected lower-body injury.

For the 24-year-old the injury is crushing, as Bjugstad was forced to miss the first 19 games of the season with a fractured hand. Since returning to the lineup the young American has struggled to rekindle his offensive touch.

After averaging over 18 goals and 38 points over the last three seasons, Bjugstad has amassed just one goal and one assist in 21 games.

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