Scouts on Studnicka’s Ceiling, Why Sharks Didn’t Claim Him Off Waivers (+)

DENVER – If Jack Studnicka is looking for opportunity, it looks like he’s going to get it with the San Jose Sharks.

David Quinn was clear about that after a 1-0 loss to the Arizona Coyotes on Friday night.

“Having another center would certainly help. Obviously, two guys playing out of position,” Quinn lamented, on the injury to Nico Sturm, and wingers Luke Kunin and Filip Zadina filling in up the middle.

24-year-old Studnicka, acquired from the Vancouver Canucks for Nick Cicek and a 2024 sixth-rounder on Friday, is a natural centerman.

“A guy that certainly was highly thought of as a prospect,” Quinn said about the Boston Bruins’ 2017 second-round pick. “He’s been in two organizations, but they’ve been really forward-heavy. I don’t know if he’s really got the opportunity that he was looking for. To the fault of nobody.”

Studnicka certainly isn’t expected to be a savior – keep in mind that the Canucks waived him in November – but there’s also a chance for him to establish himself as a bona fide NHL’er with more minutes, a la Mikey Eyssimont last year or like Calen Addison is trying to do this season.

Studnicka, who’s played mostly fourth-line center in the NHL should get the opportunity to really add to his career four goals and eight assists in 90 appearances.

So how’s the rest of the league see Studnicka? And how come San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier didn’t just claim Studnicka off waivers in November?