Canucks forced to put quality young forward on waivers
I can't see this guy going unclaimed.
HockeyFeed
This just in according to TSN NHL insider Chris Johnston, the Vancouver Canucks have placed forward Jack Studnicka on waivers, presumably for the purpose of assigning him to the AHL's Abbotsford Canucks.
Check it out:
The 24 year old forward has put up just one goal in five games for the Canucks this season and has spent the majority of the early season watching from the press box as a healthy scratch.
He was acquired by the Canucks last season in a trade with the Boston Bruins involving former top goaltending prospect Michael DiPietro. In 47 games with the Canucks last season, Studnicka put up four goals and eight points. Meanwhile DiPietro has struggled to get playing time with the Bruins' AHL affiliate Providence Bruins. The 24 year old goaltender has played just three AHL games this season, putting up an impressive 2.00 goals against average and a .935 save percentage.
Interestingly enough, I believe that both Studnicka and DiPietro played together during their childhood in the Windsor/Tecumseh area. At this point though, NHL stardom looks to be a long-shot for either player.
If Studnicka gets claimed on waivers before 12pm ET time tomorrow, the team will be receiving a player with a solid work ethic, but a player who lacks offensive finish. In 90 career NHL games split between the Canucks and the Bruins, the 6', 190lb forward has just six goals and 16 points. He has produced at the AHL level though with the Providence Bruins, with his career best season coming in 2019-20 when he managed 23 goals and 49 points in just 60 games. Unfortunately for Studnicka though he hasn't been able to translate his minor league success into NHL level production. It was thought that a fresh start in Vancouver with a young up and coming team may have helped him realize his potential, but things just haven't worked out for him in that regard.
It remains to be seen if he'll get a third shot at the NHL with a new club, but at just 24 years old and with a decent draft pedigree (53rd overall in 2017) behind him, I wouldn't count out a waiver claim from a struggling team. Stay tuned.
