Top prospect Jack Studnicka could be a top player soon. With injuries to Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak time will tell if top prospect Studnicka is ready for the big time. In this post, we will review three areas why Studnicka is ready to make the jump to the NHL.
Studnicka was drafted with the 53rd pick in the 2017 NHL draft. The bulk of his professional career has been with the Oshawa Generals of the OHL and the Providence Bruins. His best attribute that impressed the Bruins was his high hockey IQ.
Noted for his playmaking skills, Studnicka has a decent size 6’2″ 195 lbs. He has a high hockey IQ. He is not afraid to dig the puck out of the corners. On the flip side, he needs to add more muscle and get more consistent.
The 21-year-old appeared in two games with the Bruins during the 2019-2020 season. In those two games, he recorded one assist. His competitive spirit may see him in Boston within time.
Bruins Have A Logjam at Center
Cracking the opening night lineup will not be easy for the Windsor, Ontario native. Boston currently has a logjam at the center position. With a depth chart of Patrice Bergeron, Charlie Coyle, David Krejci, Gregg McKegg, and Karson Kuhlman, Studnicka has a difficult task ahead of him
With the season set on January 13th, there is still time for the Bruins to make a move or two. Long-time center David Krejci continues to be the center of trade talk. Trading of its depth positions would create an opportunity for Studnicka if he has an impressive preseason.
Wherever Studnicka starts the season his high hockey IQ and playmaking skills will only get better. Aging veterans Bergeron and Krejci sooner or later will retire. Studnicka needs to prove to the organization that he can one day earn an every-day spot in the Bruins lineup.
Studnicka is Rated as One of the Bruins’ Top Prospects
The Bruins have a great crop of young players. the former Ottowa General is rated the number one prospect, outside of goalie Jeremy Swayman. If he can add muscle and gain a little more maturity he could develop into a quality NHL player.
Head coach Bruce Cassidy, who ranks first all-time in points percentage in Bruins coaching history, raves about Studnicka’s work ethic. The Bruins need scoring and that is what Studnicka has done so far in his young hockey career.
Conclusion
The 2021 NHL Season is set for January 13th, with a total of fifty-six games. The Bruins got lucky with the new alignment. The Bruins will be a member of the NHL East division.
Not having Tampa Bay in the same division is a blessing. Tampa completely dominated the Bruins in the postseason both physically and talent-wise.
If Studnicka can continue to impress the Boston management his time will come. The Bruins have suffered a huge blow on the defensive end losing Torey Krug. Zdeno Chara is still on the market. With only 3 million dollars left in cap space, the club appears to be relying on its younger players. Both Studnicka and Swayman are on the radar.
Unless a deal is made for a proven scorer the 21-year-old’s skills will be a welcomed addition to the Bruins roster. Studnicka was one of the best playmakers in the AHL last season. He was the best player at winning faceoffs in the league. His strong hockey IQ will land him in Boston hopefully sooner than later.
Outside of Studnicka the only scoring threats in Providence are left-winger Paul Carey, centerman Cameron Hughes, left-winger Anton Blidh, left-winger Peter Cehlarik, and center Trent Frederic. With the exception of Frederic, none come close to the caliber of Studnicka.
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