Canucks make a prospect bet, add Jack Studnicka in trade
Studnicka #Studnicka
SEATTLE — The Vancouver Canucks have moved on from one busted prospect and are hoping another might turn out not to be.
The NHL team traded for Jack Studnicka, a burly forward with a nose for the net who had played in just one game for the Boston Bruins, on Tuesday. Going the other way is goalie Michael DiPietro, who was once the team’s top goaltending prospect but fell behind Arturs Silovs and was the third wheel in a crowded Abbotsford crease, also behind Collin Delia.
DiPietro, 23, has seen action in three NHL games and spent most of last season with the American Hockey League’s Abbotsford Canucks, posting a 15-13-4 record with a .901 save percentage and a 2.95 goals-against average.
Also going to the Bruins is Swedish defenceman Jonathan Myrenberg, who has a very outside chance of making the NHL but was still the team’s best hope on the right side of the defence.
The Canucks selected Myrenberg, a 19-year-old from Taby, Sweden, in the fifth round of the 2021 draft and he has put up three points (one goal, two assists) in nine games for Mora IK in the Swedish Hockey League this season.
With Curtis Lazar out for three to four weeks, there’s a spot in the lineup for Studnicka to immediately fill and show him he can be a useful piece, while moving on from a goalie you had no plans for and a prospect who was the longest of shots.
Canucks GM Patrik Allvin said he’d keeping a close eye on Studnicka for several seasons.
“I think he’s an intriguing player and sometimes those guys need a second or third team to get going,” Allvin said before Thursday’s game in Seattle.
He said of course the player’s size was appealing, but Stucnicka’s skill set was obvious and he’s got a good sense for the game.
“The package that he has showed us from going back to his draft here with Hockey Canada, through those U-18 teams and world juniors,” he said. “His hockey sense is good. I mean, he’s been killing penalties in Boston there too. I think it’s hard when you’re a young prospect and you get pushed down, you can overcook in the minors, because they can do it. Sometimes those guys need a change in scenery.”
He was once a highly-regarded prospect in the Bruins’ system, but has struggled to produce in the NHL after being able to score at every other level. One scout said he had a Tanner Pearson-like skill set.
Boston picked Studnicka 53rd overall in the 2017 draft and the 23-year-old centre has seven points (one goal, six assists) in 38 career games for the Bruins.
“(When) you’re a cap team, I think those are type of players you’re looking for. To continue to develop and hopefully he can get an opportunity to he and get his potential back,” Allvin added.
“Depth call up. Works hard. Not a great skater. (Bruins coach) Jim Montgomery hated him,” one NHL scout told Postmedia in a text message.
With files from The Canadian Press
pjohnston@postmedia.com
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