Regardless of whether Poitras remains with the Bruins or returns to juniors, his future is promising, and the organization is eager to see the potential he can bring in the years ahead.
As the Boston Bruins look to integrate more young talent into their lineup for
the 2023-24 season, one prospect is making the decision-making process
particularly difficult for the team’s management and coaching staff: 19-year-
old center Matthew Poitras. A second-round pick (54th overall) in the 2022
NHL Draft, Poitras has impressed throughout training camp and was the
standout player in the Bruins’ 3-0 preseason win over the New York Rangers.
His strong performance is forcing head coach Jim Montgomery to consider
whether he could earn a spot on the NHL roster or if he will be sent back to
junior hockey.
Poitras was immediately thrown into the deep end during training camp
when Montgomery placed him on a line with star winger David Pastrnak. For a
young player, it was a major test, but Poitras rose to the occasion, showing
poise, skill, and a determination that caught the eye of both the coaching staff
and fans alike. In the preseason game against the Rangers, Poitras scored the
Bruins’ first goal on a power play, slipping a shot past veteran goaltender
Jonathan Quick. His offensive contributions didn’t stop there—he also assisted
Jake DeBrusk’s power-play goal in the second period. Beyond the
scoresheet, Poitras was solid in the faceoff circle, won battles along the boards,
and was engaged in all three zones of the ice, demonstrating the kind of
complete game that the Bruins value in their players.
Despite his impressive debut, Montgomery was quick to temper expectations,
acknowledging that Poitras was up against veteran competition and that the
rookie had room to grow. “It’s a man’s league out there,” said Montgomery.
“He didn’t see the NHL tonight, so it’s a really good start, but that’s what he
needs to do, right? He played a really good game, and he’s gonna get another
game, and if he keeps playing, he’s gonna get rewarded and continue to get
rewarded for it.” This cautious approach reflects the challenge the Bruins face
in deciding whether to keep Poitras with the big club or send him back to
junior hockey.
Poitras’ situation is complicated by the fact that he is not eligible to play in
the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Providence Bruins this season.
This leaves the Bruins with two options: either keep him on the NHL roster or
return him to the Guelph Storm in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). If
Poitras does stay with the NHL squad, it’s clear that he would need to be
placed in a prominent role to continue his development. A spot on the fourth
or third line, where his minutes would be limited, wouldn’t be beneficial for
his growth, and the team could risk stunting his potential. Ideally, he would
play in the top-six forwards for the Bruins, but that would make roster
decisions even more complicated for Montgomery and the coaching staff.
While Poitras could potentially play up to nine NHL games before being sent
back to the OHL, it’s unlikely the Bruins would take that route, as it wouldn’t
provide the young center with the development opportunities that playing a
full season in junior hockey would. Given the current roster depth and the
need for Poitras to get significant ice time, it’s more probable that he’ll return
to Guelph for another season. There, Poitras will have the chance to lead the
Storm and likely put up impressive numbers, just as he did last season when
he had an offensive breakout with 81 points in 61 games.
The Bruins’ decision with Poitras mirrors a similar situation from last season,
when Marc McLaughlin impressed in camp but ultimately spent the year
with Providence, where he developed further and had a solid season. As
Poitras continues to push for a spot with the NHL team, the Bruins will be
faced with the difficult decision of whether to keep him on the roster or allow
him to return to junior hockey for one more season of development.
For the Bruins, this is a good problem to have. Poitras’ skill, maturity, and
high hockey IQ make him one of the most exciting young players in the
organization, and while his immediate future may be in the OHL, his
performance at training camp has shown that he’s more than ready to play at
the NHL level when the time comes. The Bruins are in an enviable position,
with the ability to carefully nurture their young talent while maintaining a
competitive roster. Whether Poitras stays with the Bruins or heads back to
juniors, his future looks bright, and the organization is excited about what he
can bring to the table in the years to come.
