Report: Bruins re-sign Czarnik to a one-year deal

Per various reports, the Bruins have re-signed 24 year old center Austin Czarnik to a 1 year, 2 way deal.

After a standout 4 year career at the University of Miami (OH), Czarnik joined the Providence Bruins for the end of their 2014-15 season, appearing in 3 games before dressing in 68 games for Providence in 2015-16. Over the course of his AHL career he has played in 93 games, scoring 86 points (26G, 60A).

The former Redhawk captain was called up to the Bruins for 49 games (13pts, 5G, 8A) during the 2016-17 season. With Spooner’s future uncertain, this is likely a depth signing to cover the 3C spot in case Spooner’s arbitration hearing prices him out of Boston.

While Czarnik isn’t likely to contribute in the top 6, he is capable of providing some offense on the third line, while also provided some energy minutes. He needs to shoot more often, only averaging 1.3 per game at the NHL level, well below the 2.4 per game average he carries in the AHL.

Czarnik struggled at times under Claude Julien as a minus player most nights. However he still provided energy on his shifts and his combination of speed and scoring touch are likely enough to justify a longer look. Having played for Bruce Cassidy in Providence, he is familiar with the Bruin’s system and will hopefully show improvement under Bruce in 2017-18.

Like most inexperienced players, he needs to work on his all around game but he looked like he belonged with the big club more often than not.

All in all a good insurance plan and contract for a player with some upside and scoring touch.