Nick had a nice first two years. Nothing world shaking. If you watch him play, you'll see he has serious flaws to his game. He is a below average defensive player, not something you want in your top 6 center, he is not a good passer, he has a low hockey IQ and doesn't use his teammates well. He also doesn't use his best asset, his size and skating ability, to his advantage and plays a soft game. His numbers were good because he played with Huberdeau who can help a lot of players score. Bjugstad has also shown a crappy effort, including this preseason when he's been healthy.
Again, he got outplayed by Trocheck. Nobody thinks Bjugstad is the second best center on this team. It's now up for debate he's the third best. So no, he doesn't deserve top 6 ice time. He can earn it. He also isn't being "mired" on the 3rd line. He'll get lesser competition to play against and PP time. He'll have plenty of ice time to prove himself. And if he's playing RW, he's not better than Vrbata. Depth chart would dictate, Dads and Vrbata are clearly ahead of him.
Lineups will change and if he shows anything like you think he's capable he'll get moved. You know the lineup will change so idk why you're in such a tizzy over a guy who has been an absolute disaster getting ice time on the third line.
