The Boston Bruins announced their opening night roster for the 2021-22 season, and Jack Studnicka was not listed on it.
Studnicka, who arguably had the strongest preseason out of any Bruin, will start the season in the AHL with the Providence Bruins.
There was some questioning if Studnicka would or would not make the roster. He was slotted in as the second-line center in some games, but that was before Charlie Coyle came back and took the spot. Coach Bruce Cassidy had hinted that he liked his top nine the way it was without Studnicka, so it’s not a total surprise to see the 2017 second-rounder not on the roster to start the season.
Here is the full roster for the Bruins on opening night:
"Forwards: Patrice Bergeron, Anton Blidh, Charlie Coyle, Jake DeBrusk, Nick Foligno, Trent Frederic, Taylor Hall, Erik Haula, Karson Kuhlman, Curtis Lazar*, Brad Marchand, Tomas Nosek, David Pastrnak and Craig Smith.Defenseman: Brandon Carlo, Connor Clifton, Derek Forbort, Matt Grzelcyk, Charlie McAvoy, John Moore, Mike Reilly and Jakub ZborilGoaltenders: Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman*Injured Reserve"
What does this mean for Jack Studnicka with the Bruins?
It looked gloomy for Studnicka to make the initial roster for a while, especially based off of Bruce Cassidy’s comments.
But there was initial hope when Curtis Lazar was announced to be down with an injury. There was an even bigger glimmer of hope when it was announced Chris Wagner was put on waivers. However, those were fourth-line spots up for the taking, and it wouldn’t make sense for the Bruins to play Studnicka in a limited role on a checking line.
Studnicka will get to play as the No. 1 center in Providence to start the season. It is likely the best thing for his development, as he’ll get to light it up in the AHL, prove to Cassidy and Co. that he does belong up in Boston and the first opening for a spot that suits Studnicka’s role, he’ll get the call up.
It may be a tough pill to swallow for now. But don’t worry. Studnicka will be in the Bruins lineup shortly.