Young Boston Bruins Center Shining in Providence

For the last two seasons, the Boston Bruins have needed young center Matt Poitras to learn on the fly in the National Hockey League. The team has lacked a quality playmaking center and Poitras fits that profile, even at 20 years of age. Last season, Poitras could only either play in the NHL or go back to the Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League. This season, Poitras made the roster outright and had a goal and three assists in 14 games before being sent down to Providence of the American Hockey League to help further his development. Poitras has done just that in 14 games with the Bruins’ affiliate.

The 2022 second-round draft pick is currently on a six-game goal streak, has eight assists in the 14 games, and is carrying a plus-8 rating. In a 5-2 Providence win over Hartford on Sunday, Poitras scored a goal and added an assist. With this, Poitras has 11 points over his last seven games. The 5-foot-11, 190-pound center is dominating the AHL game in a way that many would hope for a player with the potential to be a top-six center in the NHL. The Bruins need Matt Poitras to be a solid 60-70 point forward in the league, and this stretch of play in Providence is a good sign of things to come.

With the Bruins having the good fortune of being fairly healthy in their forward group, look for Poitras to be in the American Hockey League for the foreseeable future. Providence Head Coach Ryan Mougenel thinks it is the best way to develop Poitras.

“This time is real important in his growth, and his development based on the fact that when you’re in the NHL, you’re learning on the fl,y and it’s a tough league to learn on the fly in”, Mougenel said after Sunday’s win.” For Poitras down here, it’s the things that we believe will give him longevity in the NHL, digging in in the D zone and on the walls. We really value that here. Those are the things that build credit in the bank for him when he goes up.”

Poitras’ NHL Future

When he will go up is anyone’s guess, but judging by his play and his coach’s comments, Poitras will be in Providence for an extended period, and he will be continuing to show great promise toward being the player the Bruins hope and need him to be.

Season 4. Episode 16. Gutsy Loss – Bruins Benders Podcast

Joe Sacco applauds a “gutsy” loss. Charlie Coyle says there are bigger issues than lack of scoring. The Panthers await on Saturday and Kristie Delisi from Inside the Rink joins us and Bruins fans make a statement plus much more!DraftKings Sportsbook – Boston’s hometown Sportsbook is LIVE right here in Massachusetts! Bet local on all your favorite sports from the comfort of your own home with DraftKings. To celebrate, ALL new customers will receive up to TWO HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS bets when you sign up for DraftKings Sportsbook using code ITR! You can now bet local on money lines, spreads, props, and more with one of America’s top-rated Sportsbooks – DraftKings Sportsbook!  Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app and sign up with code ITR to get up to TWO HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS bets to use now that mobile sports betting is live in Massachusetts. That’s code ITR only at DraftKings Sportsbook. If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, call 800 327-5050 or visit helplineMA.org to speak with a trained specialist, free and confidentially, twenty four seven. Must be 21+. Physically present in MA. Eligibility restrictions apply. Subject to regulatory licensing requirementsEligibility and deposit restrictions apply. Opt in required. Bonus issued as free bets. Terms at draftkings.com/MA.

1. Season 4. Episode 16. Gutsy Loss 46:58
2. Season 4. Episode 15. Public Skate 50:19
3. Season 4. Episode 14. West Coast Road Trip. 41:21
4. Season 4. Episode 13. This Is Not the Sway 01:14:21
5. Season 4. Episode 12. Going Streaking! 55:26