The Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins have swapped potential tonight. Jack Studnicka is going West with Michael Dipietro and Jonathan Myrenberg returning.
Vancouver Canucks acquire forward Jack Studnicka from the Boston Bruins in exchange for goaltender Michael DiPietro and defenceman Jonathan Myrenberg.
DETAILS | https://t.co/BZRO1ubToy pic.twitter.com/ALEkXQYLmg
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) October 28, 2022
Canucks Trade With Bruins
What was supposed to be a strong suit, the Canucks are shoring up their centre depth in picking up Studnicka. The right-handed centre is in the first year of a two-year deal with some curious aspects. In year one, it’s genuinely a two-way contract, parking just $200K in the AHL and $750K in the NHL. In year two, the AHL price moves up to $775K, matching the NHL amount. Clearly, they thought he could earn that second year in the bigs, not the minors.
Going back is alarming to Canucks fans the first time they hear it. Goalie prospect DiPietro has had a rocky road of it in his professional career so far. The lack of games played through the COVID season and getting dropped into NHL games on an emergency basis has made his relationship with the team fraught. He seems to have been passed on the depth charts by Arturs Silovs, and with Collin Delia brought in there is simply no room for DiPietro. That being said, seeing the team turn away from their “Goalie of the Future” so easily is odd.
Though perhaps not as odd as Myrenberg. Myrenberg is the team’s top right-handed defence prospect. Considering the team’s needs, he’s a surprising choice for Vancouver to send away. But part of the reason Vancouver is in such dire straits on the defence is how few have come through for them – including Myrenberg.
What This Means
Anytime the Canucks trade with the Bruins feels… odd. But 2011 was a long time ago, and business is business. The Bruins will likely bump DiPietro to the top of their goaltending prospects, though he’s the same age as Jeremy Swayman. Swayman will have the inside track, but if he falters DiPietro could finally get a decent shot in the NHL.
Myrenberg was drafted in the fifth round in 2021, and if he makes it to North America it’s going to be as a puck-mover. He has good size – 6’3″ and 196 lbs. – but his defence needs some work. Still, he has made rapid progress in Sweden, currently dressing for MoraIK in the Allsvenskan. Ask about him again in a couple of years and you may be pleasantly surprised.
Vancouver is bringing in another right-handed centre for the bottom six in Studnicka. With Miller moving to the wing, there is a bit more room at centre. The team bailed on Jason Dickinson for cap room, but that didn’t improve their centre depth. He joins the injured Curtis Lazar as the team’s only right-handed centre. He has an excellent reputation for defensive responsibility, playing on both special teams in the AHL. Even if he has only played 38 NHL games in four seasons, the Canucks need all the help they can get.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
