Oshawa pipeline back
Second-round pick Studnicka joins list
CHICAGO — Jack Studnicka did not know much about Bruins lore, but the Oshawa Generals center became part of a pretty historic pipeline.
Studnicka, taken by the B’s in the second round (53rd overall) of the NHL draft yesterday, hopes to join Generals before him like Bobby Orr, Terry
O’Reilly and Rick Middleton to pull on the Black and Gold jersey and have a long and prosperous Bruins career.
“I wasn’t aware of that, but it’s pretty special that the two organizations have a good relationship and I’m excited to be a part of it now,” said Studnicka yesterday inside the United Center.
The 6-foot-1, 175-pounder appears to fit the prototype of a modern day pivot, with an emphasis on being a 200-foot player. Studnicka counts his vision and play-making abilities as positives, while he needs to work on his initial burst.
“I think I’m a two-way centerman who’s trusted in all three zones but at the same time can contribute to the offense when he has to. I’m a reliable centerman who can put up numbers,” said Studnicka, who doesn’t necessarily model his game after anyone in particular.
“No one specific, but being in Oshawa, I got to a lot of Leafs games and
Tyler Bozak was a reliable centerman who was their top faceoff guy, he was very versatile. Some nights he’s playing power play and he plays the penalty kill. That’s one guy that sticks out, but other than that, I think I’m pretty original.”
He said he met with the Bruins two or three times during the process.
“I kind of went into the draft with an open mind. I didn’t have too many expectations, just enjoy the day, and enjoy the experience. And I’m glad that it was Boston,” said Studnicka.
“Our meeting at the combine was pretty casual, it was just getting to know each other a little more. I think my relationship with Boston was to the point that I knew enough about them and they knew enough about me. I think the combine was a little more relaxed, but I did feel good about it.”
Studnicka was a bit of late riser. He had a strong Oshawa season with 18-3452 totals in 64 games, then had a strong playoff (5-1011 in 10 postseason games). He also had a good showing at the World U-18 tournament with three goals in six games.
“Oshawa’s put me in a position to succeed my whole time there. My first year there we were in rebuild so it was a great opportunity for me to be put in situations a lot of 16-year-olds weren’t able to,” he said.
Studnicka expects to be back in Oshawa next year, but doesn’t want to concede anything, either.
“Obviously I have to develop, I have to get stronger and put some weight on. So I think I’m going to have a great year in Oshawa,” said Studnicka. “But at the same time, I’m going into camp with the mentality that I want to make the team and make it a difficult decision.”
Maine selection
The B’s went with a goaltender in the fourth round, taking Sioux Falls Stampede’s Jeremy Swayman. “We’re really excited about (Swayman), Bob Essensa really liked and scouted him. Most of our
staff was on board. We had targeted another goalie, but he went before our sixth pick,” said assistant general manager Scott Bradley.
Swayman was watching the draft back home in Alaska. “I think I emulate Braden
Holtby the most, personally, just for his quickness and athleticism and how he reacts to the puck,” said Swayman, who is committed to the University of Maine.
Family affair
Zachary Lauzon has the bragging rights in his household.
He was taken by Pittsburgh with the 51st pick, nipping his brother, Jeremy, who was taken by the Bruins two years ago with the 52nd selection. …
The Bruins were without a third-round pick, due to the Zac Rinaldo trade two years ago, or a fifthrounder, thanks to the
John-Michael Liles trade.