Coming into the 2019-2020 season, the expectations were high for Bruins prospect Jack Studnicka. The former second-round pick was coming off a dominant season in the OHL and also appeared in five postseason games for Providence. He continued to impress in training camp but ultimately began the season in Providence. The 2019-2020 season was Studnicka’s best so far as he lived up to the high expectations, proving that the future in Boston is bright.
Before joining Providence last season, Studnicka had been one of the best centers in the OHL. In sixty games, he scored 36 goals and recorded 47 assists. He also appeared in five games for Canada at the World Juniors tournament, where he had four points in five games. His impressive season only raised expectations as Studnicka had set himself apart in the Bruins system.
Jack Studnicka scored his seventh short-handed goal of the season and it was a beauty. Studnicka flew the zone to separate and Steen delivered a picture-perfect pass. Studnicka received the pass, did the curl-and-drag and roofed it on his backhand. Special player. #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/pfFO6xOrQR
— Bruins Network (@BruinsNetwork) March 1, 2020
In Studnicka’s first full season in Providence, he continued to thrive. In 60 games, the former 53rd overall pick scored 23 goals and recorded 26 assists. Studnicka leads Providence in points and had seven shorthanded goals. The Canadian native also performed well in shootouts, where he had a 25 percent success rate.
Furthermore, Studnicka was not afraid to be aggressive in the offensive zone. Before the season was suspended, the Bruins’ top prospect landed 154 shots on net. He also averaged 0.82 points a game, which was the best in Providence.
Jack Studnicka with his first career point. A nice set-up for Danton Heinen.
Bruins lead, 8-1. pic.twitter.com/UEeawULemR
— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) November 27, 2019
Although Studnicka spent most of the season in the AHL, he did get a brief stint at the NHL level. The Canadian native appeared in two games for the Bruins and was able to record one assist. While Studnicka showed he still had room to improve, he did make some plays and was able to get in the right spots. For the Bruins, it was a preview of what the future may hold.
Unfortunately for the talented winger, the AHL season has been canceled and the NHL season is currently suspended. Providence was in the midst of a strong season in which they had the most points in the Eastern Conference. Studnicka, however, will arrive at camp next season hungry to earn a spot in the NHL and build on his 2019- 2020 campaign.
While the expectations will only be higher, Studnicka will be looking to provide a boost to the Bruins’ offense. He has excelled at every level he has appeared at and continued to improve his game in the AHL last season.
