Although the season has been paused, the Boston Bruins have made headlines in recent weeks with amateur signings and the extension of Jaroslav Halak. On Tuesday, they continued to be in the news due to the talents of their top prospect.
Jack Studnicka was named to the 2019-2020 All-Rookie Team, which is voted on by league coaches, players, and media. This campaign was Studnicka’s first in Providence after spending four years in the OHL.
Studnicka arrived in Providence with high expectations after an impressive OHL stint and training camp for the Bruins. In 49 games, the former second-round pick led all Providence skaters with 23 goals and 23 assists before the season was suspended. He also had seven shorthanded goals, which led the team and tied the AHL rookie record.
Next season Jack Studnicka should see more time in the NHL and continue to show why the future in Boston is bright. pic.twitter.com/zGM8UHKkq5
— Jamie Gatlin (@JamieGatlin17) May 17, 2020
Studnicka finished the season with 49 points, which was the third-most among all rookies. The Bruins’ top prospect wowed his coaches with his productive play on both sides of the puck. His impressive play earned him a promotion to the NHL, where in two games he was able to tally one assist.
Although Studnicka’s debut was brief, he was able to flash some of the skills that have made scouts enamored with his play. This past season, he became the first Providence skater since Frank Vatrano in 2016 to be named to the AHL All-Rookie Team.
While the AHL season is over, the Bruins’ top prospect may return if the NHL season resumes. In a press conference with the media, Providence head coach Jay Leach mentioned that Studnicka could be a player sticking around if the NHL season does return. That list also included Trent Frederic, Urho Vaakanainen, Jakub Zboril, and Steven Kampfer.
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
Additionally, in Studnicka’s first NHL run with the Bruins, he made a difference. In 22:10 of even-strength time, the Bruins had nine high-danger scoring chances compared to opponents’ one. It was a preview of what Studnicka hopes to bring to the Bruins’ top six for years to come.
Regardless of how the NHL season plays out, Studnicka will arrive in camp in the fall looking to earn a permanent spot on the Bruins’ 2020-21 roster. This past season only further proved that the future of hockey in Boston is in good hands with Studnicka’s arrival not far off.
