Jack Studnicka was touted as a top prospect in the Boston Bruins organization, and he still is. Studnicka was a former second-round pick by the Bruins in 2017, but has yet to crack a full-time spot on the roster. Studnicka is currently 23 years old and is likely on the brink of the end of his development period. Will Studnicka finally crack an NHL roster spot?
It is either now or never for Studnicka. The Tecumseh native is running out of time. The Bruins have invested a lot of time in the development of Studnicka. This season may be the end of the ropes for Studnicka and the organization.
Studnicka is a player that has found success in the AHL but has yet to transition his play to the NHL. Could a trade and a fresh start be warranted for the prospect? For sure. Last season, Studnicka spent most of his time with the Providence Bruins in the AHL. He suited up for 41 games and scored a pretty decent 35 points. Studnicka, ended up playing 15 NHL games with Boston and only scoring three points.
While with the NHL club, sometimes Studnicka looked out of place. He wasn't winning puck battles in his own zone and, most importantly, he wasn't generating any offense. It was not like Studnicka was playing a fourth line role. The Bruins trialed Studnicka as the second line center, with some power play time. Yet, Studnicka was still not able to produce.
Studnicka has played a total of 37 games in the NHL, recording just one goal and six assists. While in the AHL, he has 96 points in 117 games. The Bruins don't have a high-end point recorder in Studnicka. But, what they do have is a player that wins puck battles and drives hard to the net (at least in the AHL).
What is next for Studnicka? It is likely that the 23-year-old will start the season off in the AHL once again. Although he will have every opportunity to prove himself at training camp, it is unlikely he will stay with the NHL club. The Bruins are a team hemmed with injuries, so it is likely Studnicka will get a chance back in the NHL very soon.