Boston Bruins ready to unleash Jack Studnicka on Montreal and Ottawa

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 16: Jack Studnicka #68 of the Boston Bruins skates against the New Jersey Devils during preseason action at the Prudential Center on September 16, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 16: Jack Studnicka #68 of the Boston Bruins skates against the New Jersey Devils during preseason action at the Prudential Center on September 16, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
jack studnicka bruins
jack studnicka bruins

Jack Studnicka is ready to debut Tuesday night in Montreal. Will he, and fans, be ready?

We all have something extra-exciting to watch this week, as Jack Studnicka will more than likely make his debut for the Boston Bruins. The Bruins recalled Studnicka from Providence on Monday, and he’s set to play Tuesday in Montreal and Wednesday in Ottawa.

After the Boston drafted Studnicka in 2017, he quickly became one of the organization’s best prospects. He made his pro debut last year in Providence, where he played five regular season games and four playoff games.

This year was set to be a big one for Studnicka, as he would see his first extended action as a pro. The first full season is always an important one for a young player, even if it’s in the minors.

We described before why Studnicka needed a full season in Providence to develop. While he looked good in training camp, he’s probably not 100% ready for NHL action…especially as a center. The Bruins need to make sure he’s comfortable and physically ready to play against top competition.

That said, Studnicka earned his call-up to Boston, and he’ll make his NHL debut. So, why did the Bruins make this decision now?

Why did the Bruins recall Studnicka from Providence?

First, we have to consider injuries. Patrice Bergeron once again will be out of the lineup for these next two games. Coach Bruce Cassidy said on Monday morning that the team will be extra-cautious with Bergeron, and rightfully so.

Nobody can replace Bergeron, and certainly the Bruins don’t expect that a young player from Providence can even come close. However, the Bruins need someone with offensive talent who can fit into the top six. Studnicka can be that guy for now.

Ideally, Studnicka plays in the top six and contributes some offense to at least partially fill Bergeron’s void.

That may sound like wishful thinking, but Studnicka has been on a tear down in Providence. That’s another reason why the Bruins recalled him this week.

Studnicka had a goal and two assists for Providence yesterday to continue his great stretch of play. His goal was shorthanded. Before this weekend, he had six points in six games.

Stundicka is in the midst of the best stretch of his young career, so his recall comes at a great time for him and the team. He’ll have a great chance to continue his run against NHL talent.

We can argue all day about whether or not Studnicka is ready for the NHL. He certainly has the talent to succeed, but he lacks experience.

One thing is for sure: Studnicka’s call-up to Boston gives us even more reason to closely watch these next two games against Montreal and Ottawa.