Boston Bruins: Is it too early for us to see Jack Studnicka in the NHL?

The Boston Bruins have a forward with plenty of potential in Jack Studnicka. Question is; does he step straight into the NHL this coming season?

Looking at the draft picks around and after Jack Studnicka in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, it’s safe to say that the Boston Bruins made a wise decision picking up the Canadian-born center in the second round (53rd overall).

The players taken below him, with the exception of Drake Batherson of the Ottawa Senators and Sebastian Aho (the New York Islanders defenseman) have literally seen singular games in the NHL, suggesting they may one day make it but for now are still long-shots.

Jack Studnicka finished up his time in the Ontario Hockey League last year with a total of 83 points (36 goals and 47 assists) split between the Oshawa Generals and Niagara Ice Dogs in the Ontario Hockey League.

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He then proceeded to add a further five goals and six assists in the playoffs before linking up with the Providence Bruins and grabbing a goal and assist across his four play-off games in the AHL.

The biggest hurdle for Jack Studnicka won’t necessarily be to prove that he is ready for NHL action, but rather to find a spot to play in. Given that he landed on his feet in his first taste of professional playoff action, you have to think that the pressure won’t bother him too much. However, with the only real spots going in the Boston Bruins line-up being the second-line right wing, he may have to wait it out a little.

There’s two schools of thought on ‘rushing’ players to the NHL. Sometimes it results in a negative impact to their development in the professional game. Other times, players are more than ready, especially from collegiate programs and some of the Canadian junior hockey programs, to step straight into the National Hockey League.

If we’re honest, next season is likely too soon. The Providence Bruins will be the perfect place for Studnicka to further hone his game, discover what it’s like to compete regularly against adults and ensure that his scoring touch doesn’t evaporate away from junior hockey.

What we should expect is that he features high on the list of potential call-ups should there be injuries among the forward pack. That or if we see any players moved, maybe it’s him that steps up to the Boston Bruins in the open spot.

The future definitely looks bright for Jack Studnicka; you’d comfortably put money on the second rounder eventually making the NHL. How soon; probably not this year. But soon enough.