Jack Studnicka doesn't have to hit the ice even once more for his first year as a professional to be considered a resounding, unqualified success.
He led his team in most offensive categories, and led his league in one of them.
He played in an All-Star Game, and was named to an All-Rookie Team.
He made his big-league debut, and scored a point.
There's a chance Studnicka will get an opportunity to do a little more, and if that chance comes, [...]
Jack Studnicka doesn't have to hit the ice even once more for his first year as a professional to be considered a resounding, unqualified success.
He led his team in most offensive categories, and led his league in one of them.
He played in an All-Star Game, and was named to an All-Rookie Team.
He made his big-league debut, and scored a point.
There's a chance Studnicka will get an opportunity to do a little more, and if that chance comes, he'll be ready. Preparation, after all, was perhaps the biggest part of his education this season.
“I think it was a little learning curve to learn how to become a pro, and to approach the game like a pro,” the Bruins' 21-year-old forward prospect said during a video conference on Tuesday. “Down in (AHL) Providence, I couldn't have a better cast to see that done right, with the leadership they had.”
Lessons passed along by Providence Bruins veterans like Paul Carey, Brendan Gaunce, Brendan Woods and Alex Petrovic helped Studnicka lead the P-Bruins' attack. Tops in goals (23), assists (26) and points (49), he also led the AHL with seven shorthanded goals, tying the league's record for rookies.
Those contributions, in turn, helped push Providence to first place in the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference. The P-B's had won their franchise-record 12th straight game when the AHL canceled the remainder of the regular season and Calder Cup playoffs on May 11, in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The NHL, however, still hopes to find a way to complete its season and hold the Stanley Cup playoffs. Given the probability of rosters expanding if the season resumes, Studnicka wants to be ready if he's asked to make the jump to Boston.
“I haven't heard much on that topic,” said Studnicka, who was named to the AHL's All-Rookie team on Tuesday, “but obviously, you see the rumors on social media or whatever.
“I would love for a scenario like that to play out. Hopefully, the NHL comes back, and I'm able to be a part of that. It's definitely something I'd be looking forward to.”
Studnicka, the Bruins' second-round draft choice (No. 53 overall) in 2017, already has some NHL playoff experience. After wrapping his four-year Major Junior career last spring with a point-per-game post-season (5-6 —11 in 11 games) for Niagara of the Ontario Hockey League, Studnicka joined the P-Bruins for four Calder Cup games (1-1 — 2), and was then invited to Boston to join the Bruins' “Black Aces” taxi squad.
He never got into a game as the B's reached Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals, but he saw, heard, and did enough to get a head start on this season.
“I went through the experience of seeing that type of competition first-hand, live,” he said. “It was unbelievable.
“And I think I got a lot better as a hockey player, because we were skating every day. We were able, with the group we had, to pick on certain things we needed to get better at, because we had that time and that luxury. And at night, we were watching NHL playoffs. … In terms of development, I was able to get better during that experience.”
Studnicka didn't know it all when he got to training camp last fall, though. Between Boston's depth at center (Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci, Charlie Coyle, Sean Kuraly) and his need for pro seasoning, Studnicka was in Providence to start his first full pro campaign.
Head coach Jay Leach constantly reminded Studnicka that Major Junior production (233 points in 252 career games) wouldn't guarantee success as a pro, and “to make sure I was approaching the game to play a 200-foot game.” Assistant coach Ryan Mougenel always seemed to have a penalty-killing video clip to show him. And all he had to do was watch the P-Bruins' veterans to see that he couldn't just show up at the rink, dress, practice or play, hit the shower, and take off.
“It was taking time to understand that the main priority is hockey, and your body: What you put in it — how you take care of it before and after every skate,” he said. “It's something I learned pretty quick, watching the way players handled themselves.”
Studnicka admits it was very difficult to have the plug pulled on a season “when we had something special down there,” although he understands it had to be done.
He likes to think, though, that his accomplishments have been recognized by the parent team.
“Whether (as) a Black Ace or playing is for them to decide, but I'm going to be ready. I feel ready. I'm willing to do whatever they ask when the time comes.”