Studenic was drafted by the Devils in 2017 at 143rd overall and played for the Binghamton Devils, New Jersey's former AHL affiliate, during the 2018-21 seasons. He had his first chance with the main squad last year, where he played eight games and contributed two points (1G-1A).
"I'm really happy I could play last year some games," Studenic said about his first taste in the NHL. "I realized some things that would help me now with this camp."
Studenic came into training camp this year making a strong case to start the season with the big club. The forward had one of the two Devils goals in their 6-2 loss to the New York Rangers to close out the preseason. In practice, Studenic was often intercepting passes and driving hard to the net.
"He's good at reading the game. I think his speed gets him to places that maybe fools a few people," said Devils head coach Lindy Ruff. "His awareness on puck play and I think it's part of the reason he's here. We like him on the penalty kill, and when a guy is killing penalties usually he needs to have good reads, quickness and good awareness. So he's done well in those areas."
Throughout camp, Studenic kept his summer goal top of mind: work hard to be here at the end of training camp.
"You are here every day, and you are working hard and there were so many guys who didn't make it," he said. "I'm here and when I'm here I'm going to do my best to make it on the opening night (roster)."
