Matthew Poitras had the type of season that top prospects should have as they progress to the NHL level. With the Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League, the skillful center collected 95 points and came within two assists of the franchise record with 79. The 2022-23 season ended with Poitras and the Guelph Storm losing their first-round series to the Sarnia Sting in six games. Poitras had one goal and four assists in the series. The playmaking center was nominated for the Red Tilson Award as the league’s Most Outstanding Player. At the team’s awards banquet, Matt Poitras took home the Top Scorer Award, Owen’s Corning Tony Camilleri Playmaker Award, and the Paul Fendley Memorial Scholastic Player of the Year Award.
The Boston Bruins signed the 2022 second-round draft pick in May to a three-year entry-level contract beginning with the 2023-24 season worth an annual NHL salary cap hit of $870,000. The Bruins have had to rebuild a barren prospect pool and have limited high draft picks, but Poitras seems to be a steal at pick 54. At this summer’s Bruins Development Camp, the 5-foot-11 center has shown a high hockey IQ and a skill set that might be getting closer to a professional career.
Several media members have reported that Poitras has stood out among other prospects, especially offensively, where he has shown excellent playmaking skills that contributed to his high assist total in the OHL. But Poitras has also been able to finish showing an above-average shot that has some wondering if Poitras could vie for a roster spot this September with the Bruins. Poitras is likely to play one more season with Guelph before getting an opportunity to play with the Providence Bruins the following season.
With the Bruins preparing for the retirements of centers Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci, Pavel Zacha and newly acquired Morgan Geekie will provide some support at the pivot this season. But going forward, Poitras could be the next good top-six center with the Boston Bruins.
