Matt Poitras led the Bruins in points during the preseason and earned an extended “tryout” during the first nine games of the regular season. Surely, the real season would expose the young center some. Well, not really. Poitras has been just as good in the first nine games of his career, and that is highlighted by a two-goal performance in Anaheim last Sunday. Before the Bruins’ 3-2 come-from-behind overtime win over Florida, Team President Cam Neely said a decision on Poitras’ future would come on Tuesday. The Bruins would have to decide whether to keep the skilled center and burn the first year of his entry-level deal or send him back to the Ontario Hockey League’s Guelph Storm. At 19 years of age, the American Hockey League is not an option.
The team announced today that Poitras has earned a stay in Boston for what could be a long time with three goals and, two assists and a plus-4 rating through nine games. “He’s sticking around” said Head Coach Jim Montgomery. The London, Ontario native has played on the second and third lines this season and also killed penalties and worked on the power play. When you think the physicality would be too much for the 5-foot-11, 170-pound forward, Poitras excels and shows a fearlessness that’s beyond his years.
Another sure sign of maturity is his responsible play in all three zones, as evidenced by his nine blocked shots. One other thing going for him above all else is the fact that the Bruins do not have a ton of options at center with the skill set Poitras possesses. Poitras is exactly what the Bruins needed after the retirements of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci, except much sooner than expected.
Now, the test for Poitras will be the real grind of an 82-game season plus playoffs. The most games the young center has played in a particular year is 68 regular season plus five postseason games in 2021-22 with Guelph. The OHL is a good league with many great prospects, but is not full of grown men every night and the travel that is included in the National Hockey League.
But for now, Poitras remains a Bruin, and fans everywhere are excited. “Potsy” fever is a real thing and taking Boston by storm. The Bruins are 8-0-1, and their new phenom is here to stay.
