Boston Bruins: Don Sweeney’s Top 3 Draft Picks
By Scott Roche
Top prospect Jack Studnicka is NHL ready.
In the second round of the 2016 Entry Draft, the Bruins selected Jack Studnicka, a forward with the Oshawa Generals in the Ontario Hockey League. In four seasons with the Generals and one with the Niagara IceDogs, he scored 91 OHL goals.
After two separate stints with the Providence Bruins in the American Hockey League in 2017-18 and 2018-19, he played 60 games last season and scored 23 goals with 26 assists for a team-high 49 points. He had three power-play goals, but set an AHL record for shorthanded goals for a first-year player with seven. He was an AHL all-star and was named to the AHL all-rookie team. Not a bad start to his professional career.
Studnicka joined Boston in the Toronto playoff bubble and played in five games, but failed to register a point. Regardless, the 21-year old showed that he is ready to become a full-time NHL player.
A natural center, the Bruins are set up the middle with Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci and Charlie Coyle for next season. Studnicka played right-wing in the playoffs and will have to play there until a spot at center opens.
Playing center on the Bruins fourth line in Boston would do him no good next season. Look for him to fight for a roster spot in training camp, most likely at right-wing. Studnicka will see some time with the Black and Gold, but also expect him on the Providence/Boston shuttle to get time center in the AHL.