Upon the completion of the Generals' season, Studnicka reported to Providence for a five-game stint, during which he notched a goal and four assists.
"I think he continued the upward swing," Bruins Director of Player Development Jamie Langenbrunner said at Development Camp late last month. "Leader, led the team, played with I don't know how many different guys in that lineup, guys up and down the lineup, kept on plugging. Came into Providence and put up a point a game there. If he wouldn't have gotten banged up there, he would have played more games down there.
"His year was strong, real strong. He looks to be even a little bit stronger physically from the end of the year in Providence until now. He's putting in the work and he wants to be a player."
Studnicka is expected to be one of several internal candidates competing for Boston's third-line center role this fall. Should he not make the big club, Studnicka would return to Oshawa.
"I think that's a lofty goal for him as a 19-year-old. Not a lot of 19-year-olds play in the National Hockey League. I wouldn't put it past him, he's a determined kid…If he's able to push and take that job, then great. I think [Don Sweeney's] spoken about that quite regularly. Whoever's ready is going to get the job."
Studnicka's Oshawa teammate and fellow Bruins prospect Kyle Keyser was named to Team USA's Summer Showcase roster last month.
