A Depth Signing with Potential
The Los Angeles Kings made a strategic move last offseason by signing Jack Studnicka to an NHL minimum contract of $775,000. Initially, the 25-year-old centerman was viewed as a depth piece, meant to fortify the team’s roster following the Ontario Reign’s deep run in the 2024 Calder Cup playoffs. The Reign lost significant depth, including two-time AHL MVP TJ Tynan, prompting the Kings to sign two centers, Glenn Gawdin and Studnicka, to fill the void.
A Rocky NHL Journey
At first glance, Studnicka’s NHL career statistics may not inspire much confidence. In 107 career NHL games, he has managed just 16 points, a modest tally that hasn’t ignited fan excitement. His plus-minus rating has been positive only twice: a +2 in five games with the Vancouver Canucks last year and a +9 in the 2019-2020 season with the Providence Bruins, where he earned a spot on the AHL All-Rookie Team. Despite these modest numbers, Studnicka’s journey through the NHL and AHL has been marked by frequent movement. He has bounced between the two leagues, playing with the Bruins, Canucks, and San Jose Sharks, which suggests that his development may have been rushed at various stages of his career.
A Resurgence in Ontario
However, Studnicka has shown a significant resurgence this season with the Ontario Reign. In 43 games, he has accumulated 26 points and a +4 rating, demonstrating a newfound consistency and effectiveness. This performance is a far cry from his early NHL stints but aligns more closely with his standout 2019-2020 season, where he recorded 49 points in 60 games. In the 2021-2022 season, he contributed 35 points in 41 games with the Providence Bruins, further showcasing his potential. This season, Studnicka has exhibited a more aggressive and fearless style of play, often serving as a catalyst on the ice.
The "Lightswitch" Effect
Reign broadcaster Jared Shafran has aptly described Studnicka as having a "lightswitch" in his game. When this switch is flipped, Studnicka becomes a formidable problem for the opposition. His elite speed allows him to enter the offensive zone with ease, creating opportunities for his line mates. His decision-making and passing skills have also improved, making him a reliable playmaker. On the backcheck, Studnicka is equally effective, often laying big hits and providing a physical presence that complements his offensive contributions.
Elevating Teammates
One of the most intriguing aspects of Studnicka’s game is his ability to elevate the performance of his linemates. In January, Reign head coach Marco Sturm made significant line changes, separating Studnicka and Samuel Fagemo. Studnicka was then paired with Andre Lee and Taylor Ward. The results were immediate and striking. Ward, who had three goals and seven assists in 27 games prior to the move, has since scored five goals and added two assists in just 12 games. Similarly, Fagemo, who tallied 19 goals and seven assists when playing with Studnicka, has managed only two goals and two assists in 13 games since the change. These dramatic shifts in performance suggest that Studnicka possesses play-driving qualities that significantly benefit his teammates.
A Promising Future with the Kings
Despite his limited success at the NHL level thus far, Studnicka’s resurgence with the Ontario Reign should not be ignored. At just 25 years old, he still has time to develop and refine his skills. The Kings would be wise to keep a close eye on his progress, as he could emerge as a valuable option in the future. Studnicka’s combination of speed, playmaking ability, and physical presence makes him a well-rounded player with the potential to contribute at the highest level.
