The Vancouver Canucks have placed forward Jack Studnicka on waivers for the purposes of assignment to the American Hockey League’s Abbotsford Canucks, the club announced Monday morning.
Studnicka, 24, has one goal in five NHL games with the Canucks this season. He is under contract at a $762,500 cap hit through the end of the 2023–24 season, at which point he’ll become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights.
The Canucks originally acquired Studnicka from the Boston Bruins early on in the 2022–23 season, sending goaltender Michael DiPietro and defenseman Jonathan Myrenberg the other way in the deal.
Studnicka last played in the AHL in the 2021–22 season, in which he collected 10 goals and 35 points in 41 games with the Providence Bruins. He is currently on a one-way contract for this season, meaning his compensation in the AHL will be the same as his NHL salary ($775,000).
The Bruins originally selected Studnicka in the second round (No. 53 overall) of the 2017 NHL Draft. The 6’1″ centre made his NHL debut with the Bruins in the 2019–20 season and played in 38 games over parts of four seasons with the team before being traded to the Canucks.
Studnicka racked up eight points (four goals, four assists) in 47 games with the Canucks down the stretch last season. Through 90 career NHL games with the Bruins and Canucks, the Tecumseh, Ontario product has collected six goals and 16 points.
The Canucks have rocketed up the standings to start the 2023–24 season, posting a 11–3–1 record — good for 23 points — through their first 15 games. They’re currently second in the Pacific Division and fourth in the entire league.
Unfortunately, Studnicka has been the odd man out for this Canucks team. With Teddy Blueger finally back from his season-opening injury, something had to give.
If Studnicka clears waivers, he’ll join an Abbotsford team that currently leads the AHL’s Pacific Division with an 8–4–1 record and 17 points in 13 games. They’ll return to action on Friday against the Henderson Silver Knights.
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