The Florida Panthers have brought up center/winger Jack Studnicka from their AHL team, the Charlotte Checkers. At 26 years old, Studnicka has played only eight AHL games this season but has managed to score one goal and accumulate six points. He also showed strong preseason form, netting four goals and five points across four games.
Originally selected 53rd overall in the 2017 NHL Draft, Studnicka has limited success in the NHL but has appeared in 107 games combined with the Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks, and San Jose Sharks, during which he scored six goals and 16 points. In his AHL career, he boasts 58 goals and 168 points from 233 games.
The Panthers are currently short on forwards due to injuries to several players including Aleksandar Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, Tomas Nosek, Jonah Gajovic, Etu Luostarinen, and Cole Schwindt. Before recalling Studnicka, the Panthers had 12 healthy forwards, and now they have an additional player ready to step in if needed. Meanwhile, Jack Devine, who has also been called up, has played five NHL games but has yet to score and is averaging just under nine minutes of ice time per game.
Florida’s next game is on Tuesday against the Toronto Maple Leafs, but it remains uncertain if Studnicka will debut this season in that matchup.
Additionally, the Panthers’ AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers, have signed veteran winger Robbie Fabbri to a Professional Tryout (PTO) contract.
Fan Take: This move is significant for hockey fans as it highlights how teams manage their rosters amid injury challenges, showcasing depth players like Studnicka who could make a crucial impact. It also reflects the constant shuffle and resilience required at the professional level, keeping the sport dynamic and unpredictable.
