With Matthew Tkachuk back in the lineup for the Florida Panthers, the team had a roster decision to make - and they’ve made it. Florida has placed forward Jack Studnicka on waivers, clearing space up front as they continue to get healthier.
Studnicka, 26, has been with the Panthers since December 1st, but his role has been minimal - and that might be putting it generously. In 18 games, he’s gone without a point and registered a -6 rating while averaging just over seven minutes of ice time per night.
The underlying numbers don’t paint a much brighter picture either. His 46.3% CorsiFor% and 85.2% on-ice save percentage at even strength suggest he wasn’t moving the needle in a positive direction when he was on the ice.
That said, this move doesn’t come as a surprise. Studnicka signed a one-year, league-minimum deal in the offseason, and from the start, he was likely viewed as a depth piece - someone who could step in when injuries hit, which they certainly have for Florida this season.
In that context, he filled his role. He was available, he stepped in when needed, and he gave the club lineup flexibility during a stretch when they needed it most.
While his NHL production has been quiet, Studnicka’s AHL résumé tells a different story. Last season with the Ontario Reign, he posted 16 goals and 45 points in 72 games, finishing with a +4 rating. And before his recall this year, he was off to a solid start with the Charlotte Checkers, notching a goal and six points in eight games.
At this point, Studnicka’s likely headed back to the AHL if he clears waivers, where he’s shown he can be a productive player. He may not have found his footing at the NHL level just yet, but his track record in the minors suggests he’s still a valuable asset in the right role. For the Panthers, this is less about what Studnicka didn’t do and more about what they now have - a healthy roster and the luxury of making moves from a position of strength.