The Bruins Officially Reveal What They Are Doing With Poitras

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Austin Sabourin
October 31, 2023 (1:07 PM)

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Matt Poitras, the Boston Bruins' emerging rookie center, is on the verge of securing a permanent residence in Boston.

The official confirmation came from Bruins' head coach, Jim Montgomery, during a Tuesday morning announcement. Poitras is set to hit a significant milestone in his NHL journey by playing his tenth game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday. This development signifies that Poitras will no longer be part of the Guelph Storm, his former OHL team. Additionally, this step marks the initiation of the first year of his three-year contract, valued at $2.6 million, with a $870,000 cap hit.

Coach Montgomery expressed his confidence in the 19-year-old center, who has been an unexpected but welcome addition since making the Bruins' roster on October 9. In his nine games, Poitras has showcased his talent with three goals and two assists, leaving a lasting impression.

When asked about the decision to keep Poitras on the Bruins' roster, Montgomery acknowledged the young player's contributions while emphasizing that this doesn't necessarily mean he won't return to the Storm during the season. However, the coach made it clear that Poitras has earned his spot with his performance.

The Bruins bench boss also recognized that Poitras, drafted 54th overall in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, has proven himself despite his relatively smaller stature at 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds. Montgomery hinted at the possibility of applying load management in the future, similar to what the Anaheim Ducks have done with another promising young player, Leo Carlsson, but cited the current health situation as a constraint.

For now, Jim Montgomery and the Boston Bruins are optimistic about Poitras' ability to handle the demands of the NHL, praising his determination and resilience as the standout qualities that have led to his impressive rise in the league. Poitras' gritty performance has been a key factor in his success and his continued presence in the Bruins' lineup.

As seen on bostonhockeynow