Bruins prospect watch: Jack Studnicka looks to build on breakout season as Oshawa Generals captain

Jack Studnicka’s offensive production skyrocketed in his third year with the Oshawa Generals. The 19-year-old Bruins prospect had 22 goals and 50 assists for 72 points, all career highs during his tenure in the OHL.

Bumps and bruises took their toll toward the end of the season and by the time the Generals were eliminated from the playoffs, Studnicka was limited and only played five games with the Providence Bruins and was unable to chip in during the Calder Cup playoffs.

Yet the greatest reward for the young center, who was drafted No. 53 overall last year, was wearing the captain’s patch for the Generals, which meant finding his voice as a leader in the dressing room.

“Being the leader on the team, it’s a little bit of weight added to your shoulders and I think I adjusted well,” Studnicka said.

“Offensively, I added to my numbers in every column. It was nice to be producing like that. But more on the leadership side, I took a bigger role in making sure the room was ready.”

Studnicka is part of a Bruins system that has strong depth at the center position, an area where there will be room to make an impact next season.

It speaks to volumes to Studnicka’s character that he embraced the greater responsibility. Learning that now early in his career will be a helpful quality in his future.

His first run at Bruins training camp last fall gave him an up-close look at the Bruins most respected leaders. It was an eye-opening experience for Studnicka to spend time around players such as Patrice Bergeron, the gold-standard for Bruins centers.

It’s no surprise that Studnicka puts great emphasis on playing a well-rounded game, something he wants to continue when he returns to camp again.

“I’m not one who likes to cheat for offense,” Studnicka said. “I like to play an honest game and when the offense comes, take advantage. I’ve gotta get stronger and win the one-on-one battles, so that’s what this summer is about.”

For now, Studnicka has been training in Northville, Michigan, with other players from the USHL. When he returns to Boston, he’s approaching this training camp with an aggressive mindset.

He’s still eager to learn, but he feels like he can contend for a roster spot on the big club. The Bruins could be looking to fill center roles on the bottom-six rotation with Riley Nash expected to test the free agent market.

Don Sweeney in the past has voiced his desire to let younger players challenge for roster spots. He made it a point to note that they won’t be favored just for the sake of developing young talent, but that they’ll have to earn their role.

That’s a challenge Studnicka is willing to take head-on.

“Last year’s experience was a great experience for me,” Studnicka said. “I got to look at the best they had and how they prepare themselves and take the most I could to Oshawa. [This year] I’m looking to take less of a backseat. Obviously still look at the older guys and learn from them, but with the mentality that I’ll come into camp and try to make this team.”

Coming tomorrow: Breaking down the other top prospects.