Poitras’ Recent Injury and Preseason Performance
Even though Matt Poitras is dealing with a recent injury that’s currently assessed as day-to-day, his preseason performance has likely secured his place on the Bruins’ NHL roster. Despite his excellent performance in the previous season, there were rumors that he might need more time in the AHL with the Providence Bruins, particularly to aid his recovery from a shoulder operation. However, Poitras has once more proven his worth this preseason, making it almost certain that he’s secured his place on the team, even though his availability for the season opener against the reigning Stanley Cup winners, the Florida Panthers, is still in question.
A Hopeful Beginning Amidst Challenges
Before he was injured, Poitras was putting forth a strong argument for his place on the team. Despite undergoing shoulder surgery in February, he was back in form during the preseason, showcasing the high-level play that convinced the Bruins’ coaching team that he was NHL-ready just a year ago. His effortless transition into the lineup—taking wing shifts despite being a natural center—emphasized his adaptability and talent. His grit in the rough parts of the rink and his skill in winning puck battles were too significant to overlook. He also showed penalty-killing skills, boosting his case. Over three preseason matches, Poitras scored a goal and made five shots on net. His offensive intuition, coupled with his mature defensive strategy, marked him out as a player beyond his years. Last Sunday, head coach Jim Montgomery commended Poitras’ game as “good,” but not yet “great,” attributing any reluctance to his lengthy recovery time. However, it was evident that Poitras’ performance was advancing as the preseason wore on.
The Injury Hurdle
Poitras’ progress was hindered when he was hit hard by Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen during a preseason match. Since then, he’s been out of action, with Montgomery classifying him as “day-to-day” due to an unspecified injury. Despite the Bruins’ hope for his swift return, his absence from practice raises questions about his readiness for the season opener. However, Montgomery was swift to downplay the injury’s effect on Poitras’ roster position. “His availability isn’t going to dictate whether he starts the season here [in Boston] or not,” Montgomery declared, confirming that Poitras has done enough to secure a spot, regardless of his readiness for the opening night. He added, “I can’t confirm or deny. He’s day-to-day, so he’s not back yet,” “In fairness to him, if he does come back say (Saturday), he’s gonna have a practice, a practice Monday and then play Tuesday. I’m just not sure.” His place on the team seems secure, which is reassuring, particularly if the Bruins are still unsure about the immediate futures of Fabian Lysell and Georgii Merkulov. The team did note at their start-of-season press conference that sending Lysell and Merkulov down to Providence wasn’t necessarily the end of their roster chances, and Lysell was later recalled for their game against the Los Angeles Kings in Quebec City. However, if Lysell hasn’t solidly secured a team spot, the Bruins have a number of options, including giving Poitras a larger early role and possibly signing Tyler Johnson, who is still on a professional tryout (PTO).
Poitras Has Earned His Position
Poitras’ preseason performance has demonstrated that he can effectively compete at the NHL level. Even though the Bruins could assign him to Providence for further development, his performance should be enough to secure him a permanent roster spot. At this point in his development, it would be surprising to see Poitras sent down for anything other than a conditioning stint to recover from injury. What makes Poitras’ case particularly compelling is his adaptability. A natural center, Poitras’ shift to the wing increased his chances of making the roster both last season and this season, demonstrating his willingness to fill whatever role the team needs. His ability to play multiple positions adds value to the Bruins’ roster, especially with injuries and lineup changes inevitable throughout the season. The Bruins have always been at their best when they’ve had this type of versatility, and Poitras fits the bill perfectly.
The Big Question: Will Poitras Be Ready for the Season Opener?
The big question now is whether Poitras will be ready to suit up for the Bruins’ season opener. Montgomery has acknowledged that while the young forward is close, it’s difficult to predict if he’ll be ready in time for Tuesday’s game. Even if Poitras is cleared to play, missing the last few practices puts him in a tough spot as he would have limited time to prepare for the fast-paced action of the regular season. If Poitras isn’t able to participate on opening night, it doesn’t diminish his preseason achievements. The Bruins clearly see him as a player who can contribute to their success this year, regardless of the minor setback of missing a game or two. An early injury won’t change the fact that Poitras is expected to play a big role in the Bruins’ 2024-25 plans and beyond.
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