The Florida Panthers are reaching into their depth chart once again, recalling forward Jack Studnicka from their AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers. With a growing list of injuries up front, the Panthers needed reinforcements-and Studnicka, a versatile center-wing option, gets the call.
At 26, Studnicka isn’t exactly a fresh face-he’s seen NHL ice before, logging 107 games across stints with the Bruins, Canucks, and Sharks. His production at the top level has been modest-six goals and 16 points-but he’s shown flashes of potential, particularly in the preseason. This fall, he lit it up with four goals and five points in just four exhibition games, reminding folks why he was a second-round pick back in 2017.
In the AHL this season, Studnicka has only suited up for eight games, but he’s been efficient-one goal and six points in that span. That’s in line with his overall AHL resume, where he’s tallied 58 goals and 168 points over 233 games. He’s a player who’s proven he can produce in the minors and, at times, has teased more at the NHL level.
Florida’s current forward situation is, to put it mildly, thin. The team is without several key contributors, including Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, Tomas Nosek, Jonah Gadjovich, Eetu Luostarinen, and Cole Schwindt.
That’s a significant chunk of their forward core either sidelined or working their way back. With only 12 healthy forwards available before Studnicka’s recall, the Panthers needed an extra body who could step in quickly if needed.
Studnicka offers just that-he’s game-ready, experienced, and hungry for another shot. Whether he cracks the lineup immediately remains to be seen, especially with Florida set to host the Toronto Maple Leafs next. But even if he starts in the press box, he gives head coach Paul Maurice a bit more flexibility as the team navigates this injury crunch.
Meanwhile, Jack Devine-another recent call-up-has seen limited action in his five NHL games, averaging just 8:43 of ice time and still looking for his first point. It’s clear the Panthers are still sorting through their options, trying to find the right mix while their stars recover.
Bottom line: Studnicka’s return to the NHL is less about a long-term promotion and more about immediate insurance. But if he can bring some of that preseason spark to the big stage, he might just carve out a bigger role than expected.