Report: Jack Studnicka Gets the Call for the Top Line

Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images

Tonight’s game against the Winnipeg Jets will feature a new top-line center as Patrice Bergeron will miss his second straight game due to injury. It’s not often the Bruins have been missing their top-line center over the years, as Bergeron has been a stalwart in the middle of the top line for over a decade. Last game, the Bruins promoted fourth-line center Tomas Nosek to take on top-line duties while the future Hall of Famer was sidelined. At the same time, Nosek didn’t play awful, and it just looked unnatural having him up there alongside Brad Marchand and Jake Debrusk and a look Bruins fans hope to never see in the future.

Before the Minnesota Wild game, the Bruins did have a plan as to who would fill in for Bergeron as they called up Jack Studnicka from their AHL affiliate Providence Bruins. Unfortunately, Studnicka could not make it to the Xcel Energy Center in Minnesota in time, forcing Bruce Cassidy to make some adjustments last moment. Many thought Cassidy would promote the more talented and proven Charlie Coyle or Erik Haula, but Cassidy didn’t want to disrupt the chemistry those two players bring to the second and third lines they anchor.

Opportunities for Both Studnicka and the Bruins

This time around, though, the Bruins will have Jack Studnicka in the building and officially named him the top-line center for tonight’s game against the Jets. This is an excellent opportunity for Studnicka to prove to the coaching staff what he is capable of and what he can contribute to the team, not just in this game but also down the line as Studnicka looks to make his time on the NHL roster permanent. There is also an opportunity for the Bruins as they can use this opportunity to showcase Studnicka’s skill set and abilities ahead of the trade deadline as Don Sweeney looks to begin wheeling and dealing in these coming days. Suppose Jack Studnicka shows he is finally capable of playing at the NHL level daily. In that case, this could add increased value to his market and allow Don Sweeney to obtain an excellent return before Monday.     

Can Studnicka Stay Hot?

At 23 years old, Jack Studnicka is still young and has time to grow into the player the Bruins thought he would become when they drafted him 53rd overall in the second round of the 2017 NHL draft. At 6’2″ and 196 lbs, he offers excellent size to go along with his playmaking skill set as he projects to be a top-six forward once he puts all the pieces together. Studnicka has been red hot at the AHL level as he is third on the team in assists and points with totals of 24 and 33. Studnicka has been especially hot over his last ten games as the 23-year-old has totaled 14 points that breakdown into three goals and 11 assists. Studnicka looks to bring that hot streak to Winnipeg as he suits up for the big club tonight; there are only so many opportunities the Bruins are willing to give before they decide to move on. The thought of the Bruins not having a number one center waiting in the wings once Patrice Bergeron chooses to hang up his skates is a scary situation, as shown during their most recent loss to the Minnesota Wild. Hopefully, Studnicka delivers and shows he has a bright future in Boston.   

Stanley Cup Aspirations Cue’ the Duck Boats Pod

The boys are back after a long break but have plenty to talk about as the playoffs are in full swing. We go series by series, looking at how teams have fared so far and who will come out on top. Thanks for listening! Please rate and review our show on your favorite listening platform. Check out our partner's website at www.insidetherink.com for all your latest hockey news.
  1. Stanley Cup Aspirations
  2. The Final Countdown
  3. Here Come the Playoffs
  4. Home Stretch
  5. Kevy Cooks

Discover more from Inside The Rink

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Kevin Santangelo

Co Host of Cue' the Duck Boats Podcast Writer for Inside the Rink

Leave a Reply

Sam Bennett accepting the Conn Smythe Trophy.

The Florida Panthers Extend Sam Bennett

He said it himself at E11even, he wasn’t leaving. One of the biggest free agents is now off the market and locked up long term as the Florida Panthers announced Friday night ahead of the draft that he’d been extended. Bennett’s been a huge part of Florida’s success in the postseason en route to back-to-back […]

Read More

Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood Traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets have acquired right-shot centre Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick (77th overall) and a conditional 2027 second-round pick, alongside prospect Gavin Brindley. The conditions of the 2027 second-round pick are that the pick will be the lower of Columbus’ second-round picks […]

Read More
Detroit Red Wings Linked to New York Islanders Defenseman

Noah Dobson traded to the Montreal Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens have acquired defenseman Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders for Emil Heineman and both the 16th and 17th overall picks in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Chris Johnston of The Athletic confirms the deal is a sign-and-trade as Dobson signs an eight-year contract worth $9.5 million annually. It will be interesting […]

Read More